Misconduct in the News in February 2025

February 2025 has kicked off with some truly shocking headlines, including a story where King Charles is slammed as a "bully" by Buckingham Palace staff on one of the world’s largest job review sites. Complaints about bullying, mistreatment, and a toxic work environment at Buckingham Palace have now gone public, sending shockwaves through the media. But that's just the beginning—this month’s roundup also includes disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, toxic leadership, and high-profile misconduct cases across industries.

Check out the other jaw-dropping headlines you won’t want to miss in this month’s Misconduct in the News for February 2025: 

Met Police duo face hearing over alleged sexual & racial remarks to staff

“It is alleged that on 25 August 2021 [Police Constable] Jeffries took an inappropriate image of himself on a female colleague's phone. It is further alleged that afterwards, PC Jeffries sent an unsolicited inappropriate photograph to the same colleague via WhatsApp.

A further claim is that, between mid-late 2020 and December 2021, PC Sansom made multiple "inappropriate and discourteous comments" to two colleagues. These included comments about a female's sexuality and inappropriate sexual remarks.” (HR Grapevine)

EXCLUSIVE: King Charles Slammed as 'BULLY' By Buckingham Palace Staff on World's Biggest Job Review Site — 'They treat you like scum!'

“The former warden at Buckingham Palace seethed online: ‘AVOID THIS PLACE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH!!! I cannot stress enough how terrible of a place this institution is to work for and the individuals that not only enable this toxic work environment but have made it their life's mission to ensure seasonal staff feel extremely unwelcome.’...And an ex-gardener for the royals vented on Glassdoor: "Lots of bullying and office politics across all departments expected to give up your life for the role.’” (Radar Online)

Kanye West accused of harassing Jewish employee at Yeezy and referencing Hitler in lawsuit

“Kanye West is facing a lawsuit from a former employee of his Yeezy brand, who alleges that the rapper engaged in antisemitic abuse, workplace harassment and wrongful termination.

The lawsuit, filed under the pseudonym Jane Doe, accuses West of repeatedly referring to himself as a Nazi and targeting her due to her Jewish heritage…

According to the lawsuit, the situation escalated in June 2024 when West allegedly sent Doe a series of hostile messages, insulting her appearance, taunting her and even saying ‘Come ‘destroy me.’ Hail Hitler.’ She was dismissed the following day after forwarding the messages to her manager.” (The Economic Times)

Ye's website is selling swastika shirts after boosting its profile with Super Bowl ad

“Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, used a Super Bowl commercial on Sunday night to send people to his website as it sells T-shirts emblazoned with a swastika, the symbol of Nazi Germany which is still used by modern-day far-right extremists.

The white T-shirts have a black swastika on the front and were the only items for sale on the front page of yeezy.com as of Monday morning. No text or explanation accompanied the item, just the letters "HH-01." They are available for $20.” (NBC News) 

Apple Cider Vinegar: How Instagram wellness guru Belle Gibson faked cancer – and caused a scandal

An investigation revealed that Instagram wellness influencer Belle Gibson deceived her followers by falsely claiming to have terminal cancer. She leveraged this fabricated illness to sell alternative health products and wellness programs, profiting from vulnerable consumers seeking medical guidance. This scandal reignites discussions about misinformation in influencer marketing and the ethical responsibility of digital creators. (BBC)

Ex-Meta Worker Alleges 'Toxic Pattern of Silencing Women' and Files Suit After Mark Zuckerberg's 'Masculine Energy' Comments

“Kelly Stonelake, a former employee of Meta, filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court, Washington, alleging sex discrimination and retaliation. Stonelake, who worked at Meta for 15 years, claimed that she experienced a ‘toxic pattern of silencing women’ and described her tenure as marked by ‘rampant and unmanaged discrimination and harassment.’ She cited specific incidents, including a manager's sexual assault in 2011 and exclusion from important meetings for supporting safety concerns about the Horizon virtual reality platform. Stonelake's legal action follows comments by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg advocating for more ‘masculine energy’ in the corporate world. She argues that this reflects an irresponsible and harmful attitude, especially amidst accusations of a toxic work environment for women. Stonelake seeks accountability and aims to prevent similar retaliation against women who expose issues.” (People) 

TV Personality Gino D’Acampo Accused Of Sexually Inappropriate Behavior By Multiple People [at work]

“An ITV news investigation, which broadcast earlier tonight, spoke with multiple people who have worked with [Gino D’Acampo] in the past and described [him] making sexualized remarks that made them feel highly uncomfortable, as they detailed incidents that go back many years.

One woman said in 2011 D’Acampo told her he would ‘like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter.’ Another said that on a shoot he opened the door to his room wearing only boxer shorts before making reference to his penis. A third sent in a statement saying D’Acampo said to someone: ‘If you don’t get me a Cornetto I will f*** your girlfriend.’” (Deadline) 

Senator opens inquiry into US Center for SafeSport’s hiring of investigator charged with sex crimes

Senator Chuck Grassley initiated an investigation into the U.S. Center for SafeSport's hiring practices after former police officer Jason Krasley, employed as an investigator by SafeSport, was charged with multiple sex crimes. Grassley sent a letter to SafeSport's CEO, demanding answers on how Krasley was hired despite past allegations and whether the organization was aware of his newer crimes during his tenure. Krasley, arrested multiple times for offenses spanning from 2015 to 2024, was hired by SafeSport in 2021 and fired in November 2024 after initial arrests surfaced. (AP News) 

Former Harrods staff accuse brother of Mohamed Al Fayed of sexual assault

“Three women told the BBC they were sexually assaulted by Ali Fayed, 81, in the 1990s when he and his brothers, Mohamed and Salah, owned and ran Harrods. The women said the alleged abuse happened after they were abused or harassed by Mohamed, his older brother…One of the women, identified as Frances by the BBC, said Ali Fayed had tried to kiss her in his office, before ‘groping’ and ‘molesting’ her. She said Ali Fayed also sexually assaulted her in 1992 when she flew to Connecticut to discuss interior design plans with his wife, and when she visited Balnagown in the Scottish Highlands.” (The Guardian) 

Officer deployed to Africa pleads guilty to sexual harassment, sentenced to prison

Francis is “an officer with the Utah National Guard deployed to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, [who] pleaded guilty to sexually harassing a non-commissioned officer in his unit.” 

“Francis, the officer-in-charge of the behavioral health section, sexually harassed his subordinate female NCO by attempting to record her three times with his hidden phone….

While changing clothes privately in an office, the victim noticed a phone propped up on the wall locker, partially obscured by a piece of cardboard. The same day she reported Francis to her chain of command. Installation law enforcement was notified and they reported the incident to the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.” (DVIDS) 

^{* "Installation law enforcement" refers to the police force or security personnel responsible for upholding laws and maintaining order within a specific military base or installation.}

Final Tally: Chicago Taxpayers Spent At Least $107.5M to Resolve Police Misconduct Lawsuits in 2024, Analysis Finds

“Chicago taxpayers spent at least $107.5 million to resolve lawsuits alleging Chicago police officers committed a wide range of misconduct — including wrongful convictions and improper pursuits — in 2024, setting a new record, according to an analysis of city data by WTTW News.

That is the most Chicago taxpayers have paid to resolve police misconduct lawsuits in a single year since 2011, and 43% more than in 2023, according to WTTW News’ analysis of reports released by the Chicago Department of Law.” (WTTW) 

British TV’s New Anti-Bullying Tsar Has Role Scaled Back After Facing Misconduct Complaints

Sarah Swingler, the British television executive hired to clean up bullying and poor working conditions in the industry, has had her role scaled back after being the subject of multiple misconduct complaints. Action for Freelancers accused Swingler of fostering a toxic work environment and mistreating freelance workers, raising concerns about whether leadership reforms are truly addressing industry-wide issues. (Deadline) 

FS1 places executive Charlie Dixon on leave after latest lawsuit

“According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand and Katie Strang, the company has placed Dixon on administrative leave after he was named as a defendant in two separate lawsuits filed by former Fox Sports employees in recent months.

A former Los Angeles-based FS1 hairstylist, Noushin Faraji, alleged that Dixon groped her in January 2017. Faraji’s lengthy lawsuit also alleged that Dixon was romantically involved with FS1 talent, gave them preferential treatment, and used company funds to pay for his wife’s silence on the affairs.” (Awful Announcing) 

Damning reports reveal extent of bullying and sexism in Wales' fire services

“Nearly half (47%) of people who responded to the survey reported personal experiences with bullying and harassment in the service since June 2021, and over half (54%) had witnessed such behaviours, the report found.

10% of female survey respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment, with the report suggesting sexual assault or harassment continues to go largely underreported.” (ITV News) 

February 2025 has brought some of the most jaw-dropping misconduct stories yet, each revealing the depth of abuse and mistreatment that continues in workplaces around the world.  To learn more or hear deeper insights into the details of these scandals, listen to our #9to5Nightmares podcast. Want more real-life stories? Tune in to WRKdefined’s Mandatory Meeting: Workplace Misconduct podcast for even more workplace horror tales.

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