Top 10 Examples of Misconduct in the News March 2025
As workplace misconduct continues to make headlines, organizations across industries are facing increased scrutiny over their leadership, culture, and compliance efforts. This month, Kroger’s CEO abruptly resigned following an internal investigation into his personal conduct, raising questions about executive accountability. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice launched an investigation into allegations of workplace antisemitism at the University of California, highlighting growing concerns about discrimination and bias in higher education. In the entertainment industry, new allegations of sexual abuse against Sean "Diddy" Combs and reports that a film crew sold Sharon Stone’s underwear without her consent are shedding light on ongoing misconduct in Hollywood. From corporate scandals to regulatory crackdowns, these stories serve as a reminder of the importance of proactive risk management and ethical leadership.
Check out the top 10 headlines of misconduct scandals in the news:
Kroger’s CEO Abruptly Resigns After Probe Into Personal Conduct
“Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen is resigning immediately from the grocery store chain following an investigation that found his personal conduct was ‘inconsistent’ with the company’s ethics policies. No additional details about what it discovered was revealed, but the company said his conduct isn’t related to the company’s ‘financial performance, operations or reporting, and it did not involve any Kroger associates.’” (CNN)
DOJ Investigates Workplace Antisemitism at University of California
“The Department of Justice will examine whether UC violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, investigating claims of employment discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin. Lawmakers have raised concerns about antisemitic threats and harassment on college campuses, emphasizing the need for safe work environments.” (U.S. Committee on Education & Workforce)
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accused of Sexual Abuse, Coercion, and Violence
“Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing new legal trouble as Kirk Burrowes, co-founder and former president of Bad Boy Entertainment, has filed a lawsuit accusing him of decades-long sexual abuse, coercion, and violence.” (Lawyer Monthly)
Fox’s Motion to Move Workplace Misconduct Lawsuit to Federal Court Denied
“A court has denied Fox’s attempt to move a workplace misconduct lawsuit to federal court, keeping the case within state jurisdiction. The lawsuit underscores ongoing legal challenges tied to corporate accountability.” (Awful Announcing)
Sharon Stone’s Underwear Was Sold by a Film Crew Without Her Consent
“Sharon Stone has been vocal on multiple occasions about the misogyny and workplace misconduct that she has experienced as a Hollywood actress, revealing that in certain circumstances her privacy was directly violated. In the 66-year-old's latest career bombshell reveal, she recalled that some of her most intimate items were sold for profit.” (InStyle)
My [Accident Compensation Corporation] Counsellor Answered My Sex Work Ad, Says Abuse Survivor
A sex worker posted an ad and her mental health counselor allegedly responded to the ad, knowing she was a patient, to solicit sex. This is clear misconduct as mental health professionals are not allowed to engage in personal relationships with patients. “The woman reported the alleged incident – which the therapist denies – to ACC, the counsellor’s employer and his professional body for investigation. She allegedly found out he had a history of violent offending after beginning counselling with him.” (NZ Herald)
Douglas County Sheriff’s Captain Retired After Investigation into Him Dating a Female Subordinate
“A Douglas County sheriff’s captain retired last month after learning he would be fired in the wake of a romantic relationship with a female deputy… [the] relationship and his dealings with another deputy led to a complaint in December and an internal investigation that ended with the determination that Tommy Barrella had violated six separate department policies, including ‘harassment issues in the workplace.’” (9News)
ATNS Boss on Ice Amid Sexual Harassment Claim
“The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has suspended its senior manager Simon Zwane over allegations that he forced a junior employee to perform oral sex on him, touched her inappropriately and made sexually offensive remarks against her.” (Sunday World)
In the Federal Court System, Law Clerks Find Little Recourse for Bullying and Abuse
“Over nearly a year, NPR heard the stories of people whose self-confidence was shattered by judges who screamed so loudly others could hear from the hallways, and people who were fired after only a few weeks on the job, for no clear reason.
Some described sexual harassment, like in the case of the Alaska clerk. Many more shared episodes of bullying. Others said they faced discrimination or harsh treatment because they had a disability or were pregnant.”
“The power imbalance between judges with lifetime tenure and the young law clerks who work alongside them is both vast and unique to the judiciary. People in the federal court system don't have the same kind of job protections enshrined in law that most other Americans do.” “‘The judge was the HR department, the judge was my boss, the judge was a colleague,’ she said. ‘The judge was everything, he had all the power.’" (NPR)
Utah Senate Advances Bill to Protect Government Employees Accused of Misconduct
“A committee of state senators has advanced a bill that would limit the public's right to know about government misconduct. Sen. Stephanie Pitcher (D-Salt Lake City) said the purpose of Senate Bill 288 is to protect victims. The bill would also protect taxpayer-funded employees accused of inappropriate behavior if they resign in lieu of discipline.” (Fox13Now)
These recent cases underscore the ongoing risks organizations face when workplace misconduct goes unaddressed. Whether it’s executive misbehavior, discrimination, or toxic workplace cultures, the consequences can be severe—ranging from reputational damage to legal action. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and public expectations for accountability grow, companies must take proactive steps to mitigate risks, strengthen compliance, and foster a culture of integrity. Staying ahead of these challenges requires continuous vigilance, clear policies, and a commitment to ethical leadership.
5 Resources to Mitigate Misconduct at Work
For additional education from HR and Talent Acquisition thought leaders on how to protect your organization from becoming another headline in the news, these resources can help:
Insurance and Banking: HR Tactics for a Safe Return to Work
Tim Sackett explores HR strategies for creating a safe and productive return-to-office environment, particularly in industries like insurance and banking.” (Tim Sackett)
The Real Cost of Misconduct—And How to Stop It Before It Starts | Webinar
A new webinar explores how behavior intelligence can help organizations identify and mitigate workplace misconduct risks before they escalate into costly legal, reputational, and financial damage. (ERE)
Risk Mitigation in Hiring Isn't Just for Pre-Hire Anymore, with Ben Mones, Founder and CEO of Fama
HR Tech Analyst, Brent Skinner, sat down with Fama CEO Ben Mones to explore how “bad actors can do bad things while working at your company. That’s why hiring can’t just be about hiring people who can do the job. We need to hire people who will get the work done in a way that doesn’t negatively impact the organization once they join or even after they leave.” (WRKdefined)
Workplace Misconduct: A Mandatory Meeting
In the HR world, workplace misconduct is considered especially heinous. At HR Tech, William Tincup and Ryan Leary of WRKdefined take over "9 to 5 HR Nightmares" to expose shocking stories from top industry leaders. Their mission: to reveal how weak candidate screening and compliance failures can devastate company culture. These are their stories—raw, real, and a reminder that modern HR practices are your first line of defense. Misconduct isn’t just a nightmare—it’s a ticking time bomb. (WRKdefined)
#9to5Nightmares HR Podcast
Fama’s #9to5Nightmares HR Podcast talks about workplace misconduct so you can avoid it. Hosts Amy Warren and Micole Garatti dive into some of the most prominent workplace scandals going on to help you protect your people and profits from costly mistakes. (Fama)
Get more examples of misconduct headlines in the news and what you can do about it by subscribing to the Fama blog. Or, take the first step in mitigating misconduct – request a demo to see how Fama can help.
