Misconduct in the News November 2024
In this November 2024 edition of Misconduct in the News, we’re highlighting some of the key scandals that made headlines this month. From a police constable barred for sexual misconduct after a hero nomination, to Activision Blizzard’s $35 million settlement over workplace abuse, to disturbing sexual assault allegations against top executives at the New York Philharmonic, and the toxic work culture plaguing Brookline Library, this edition of Misconduct in the News is one you won’t want to miss!
See more headlines you won’t want to miss:
1. The FCA has published key findings of [their] culture and non-financial misconduct survey, which examined how firms detect and handle non-financial misconduct incidents. (FCA)
"The number of reported non-financial misconduct incidents increased over the 3 years surveyed.
The distribution of non-financial misconduct types varied by sector although bullying and harassment (26%) and discrimination (23%) were the most reported types of non-financial misconduct across all sectors. There were also 41% of non-financial misconduct incidents reported in the ‘other’ category.”
2. Measure the Financial Impact of Misconduct in the Workplace (Work Shield)
“The impact of misconduct in the workplace is substantial, with U.S. organizations facing an estimated $300 billion in losses each year due to unresolved issues.”
3. Why it’s more urgent than ever to stamp out workplace bullying (People Management)
“After a recent survey showed over half of UK employees have left or considered leaving a role because of workplace bullying, Tina Chander explains the steps that employers need to take to solve toxic behaviour.”
4. Former McDonald's Worker Sues, Claiming Harassment and Bias (Bloomberg Law)
“Jamese Clark, an African American woman, says she was subjected to unwelcome sexual advances and inappropriate touching by a McDonald’s manager, Damian, throughout her employment starting in September/October 2021. Clark reported the harassment to other managers but no action was taken against Damian…”
5. Brookline library faces high staff turnover amid allegations of ‘toxic’ workplace (Brookline News)
“Changes are made simply for the sake of change, staff are treated as budget lines to be optimized, and the relationship with Library administration is expected to be one of deference rather than collaboration,” Davis wrote. “Staff are worn down, not listened to when genuine concerns arise, and feel like their quality of life is constantly being threatened.”
6. Amendment H passes: Colorado to create a new board to enforce judicial ethics (The Colorado Sun)
The constitutional change takes the judicial discipline process largely out of the hands of the Colorado Supreme Court in response to a recent ethics scandal
7. Domestic abuse happens within the NHS, too – safe spaces are vital (The Independent)
We are still at the start of our journey to reducing harmful abusive behaviours in the NHS and more action is needed to ensure that all staff are safe from misogyny, violence and domestic abuse, writes Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, as she backs The Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign
8. Australia's Parliament Faces Workplace Safety Crisis (Devdiscourse)
“Australia's parliamentary workplace is undergoing scrutiny following reports of severe misconduct including sexual assault, stalking, and intimidation. Over nine months, 30 serious complaints were reported.”
9. Sexual assault cases in parliament 'really concerning', health minister says (SBS News)
10. 'Call of Duty' maker Activision Blizzard to pay $35 million over U.S. SEC charges (Reuters)
"Activision Blizzard failed to implement necessary controls to collect and review employee complaints about workplace misconduct, which left it without the means to determine whether larger issues existed that needed to be disclosed to investors,” Jason Burt, who heads the SEC's Denver office, said in a statement.
11. Termination of Disney Springs Employee Raises Concerns Over Sexual Harassment Response (Disney Dining)
“Julie Ruiz, a worker at Disney Springs, has raised serious allegations following her complaint of sexual harassment against her supervisor. Despite formally reporting the misconduct, she claims that no appropriate action was taken by management to address her concerns.”
12. MrBeast’s collaborator Karl Jacobs reportedly arrested (The Express Tribune)
“Allegations have surfaced that Karl Jacobs, a prominent member of the MrBeast team, was recently arrested, according to a viral TikTok video shared by user Zachxposts (known as “Zach news king”), a creator known for sharing breaking news and updates.
In the video, Zach claims that Jacobs, age 26, was booked into a county jail, though he did not specify the exact location. The alleged arrest followed reports that explicit images of minors were circulated within a MrBeast-affiliated Telegram group. Zach further claimed that Jacobs attempted to delete his Telegram account to avoid scrutiny, but his efforts were unsuccessful.”
13. Two More Former Employees of Swillhouse Venues Allege Sexual Assault At Work (City Hub)
“According to SMH, the NSW government investigated claims of numerous allegations of sexual assault and harassment were mishandled within Swillhouse from five former staff.”
14. Kanye West Faces Legal Pressure After Missing Deposition in Discrimination Lawsuit (Thirsty for News)
15. N.Y. Philharmonic fires two after allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of power (Los Angeles Times)
“Philharmonic executive adviser Deborah Borda said Monday that 11 women made accusations against Wang and three against Muckey during the latest investigation.
“It found that both gentlemen had been involved in sexual abuse and rape as well as abuse of power,” Borda said. “This is all new information that came out, and I think the reason is that people were afraid to speak up before and they are not now.”
16. Former EGGS student says she complained about music teacher Peter Thomas’ erections, and got kicked out of class (The New Zealand Herald)
17. Prominent USC scientist goes on leave amid research misconduct allegations (Los Angeles Times)
18. Joliet teacher on leave following allegations of sexual misconduct against students (KTVQ)
JOLIET — Joliet Public Schools officials are investigating after receiving reports of alleged sexual misconduct between a teacher and students. An administrator told MTN News that the teacher has been placed on leave.
19. Norfolk Police Under Fire in Death of Tara Kershaw as Watchdog Investigates Handling of Repeated Abuse Reports Leading Up to Murder (TDPel Media)
20. Vengeful Cop Who Threw Away Dead Teen's Skull After Mom Complained About Police Misconduct Gets Two Week Suspension (The Latin Times)
After initially lying about his actions on a report, the officer admitted what he did when the family attempted to retrieve the skull fragment
21. 2 Circleville officers fired after investigation into sexual misconduct allegations (10 WBNS)
22. Ocean City’s police chief abruptly departs (CNHI News)
In recent years, for example, the police department was questioned over its use of force in two high-profile Boardwalk incidents. And this spring, the department began investigating allegations of workplace misconduct involving five police officers on the force. The probe remains active.
23. Award nominated police constable (PC) barred for sexual misconduct (BBC)
“A police officer who was nominated for a bravery award after saving people from a tower block fire has been barred from policing for sexual impropriety.”
From boardrooms to classrooms, November’s headlines reveal troubling cases of misconduct across various industries. These stories are not just about individual failings but about systemic issues that impact workplaces and communities.
Here at Fama, we talk about misconduct so you can avoid it. Listen to the latest episode of Fama’s #9to5Nightmares podcast and WRKdefined’s Mandatory Meeting: Workplace Misconduct Takeover for a deeper understanding of these critical issues. For expert guidance on how to address and prevent misconduct in your organization, reach out to Fama today.
