4 Workplace Scandals in July 2025

July brought another wave of public and professional figures facing the consequences of their harmful actions that ended up making major headlines online and in the news, including reality stars, healthcare professionals, and technology executives. In each case, troubling behavior left a lasting mark on their personal reputation, employer’s brand, and the internet. Many of these incidents share a common thread: warning signs appeared online long before headlines surfaced.

Key Takeaways

• Public social posts can damage reputations years after publication
• Automated social media screening reveals risk indicators early
• Proactive screening safeguards brand image, mitigates costly misconduct, and ensures compliance and business continuity
• Integrating screening into talent acquisition and employee rescreening is now essential

4 Viral Workplace Misconduct Scandals

1. Pediatrician fired for vile post suggesting Texas flood victims were Trump supporters who got ‘what they voted for’

Dr Christina Propst was terminated after a Facebook post implied that victims of the Texas floods—more than 80 individuals, including children—were Trump supporters who ‘got what they voted for.’ The since‑deleted post under her former account drew widespread condemnation and highlighted how a single comment can overshadow decades of professional service. (New York Post)

2. Love Island USA's Cierra leaves show after racism row

Love Island USA star Cierra Ortega faced backlash from fans over resurfaced social media posts that used a derogatory term against the Asian community. In an Instagram story from 2023, Ortega used the slur as she explained her Botox procedures, writing, “I can also be a little chinky when I laugh/smile so I love getting a mini brow lift to open up my eyes and get that snatched look”.

Ortega is the second person to be cut from the show this season for racism uncovered by fans. The first was Yulissa Escobar, in which her video from a podcast resurfaced where she used the N-word while discussing boy drama with the hosts. (BBC)

3. US tech company Astronomer's CEO resigns after being caught having an affair with CPO at Coldplay concert

At a Coldplay concert, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his Chief People Officer were caught on the venue’s ‘kiss cam.’ Their awkward reaction—ducking and covering their faces—sparked speculation of an undisclosed workplace relationship. The video footage went viral on social media, turning into one of the most popular memes of the weekend. 

Following the scandal, Astronomer said on Friday via a LinkedIn statement that its Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation. 

The company also clarified that Astronomer’s Senior Director of People, Alyssa Stoddard, who was previously misidentified in the footage, was not present on this occasion, and stated that ‘no other employees were in the video’. Soon after, Astronomer issued another LinkedIn statement, announcing that Byron had tendered his resignation, and that the Board of Directors had accepted this decision. (Human Resource Online)

4. Fama findings: Uncovered harassment by a Chief People Officer

Outside the headlines, automated screening flagged publicly available online content reflecting the candidate, a Chief People Officer, who allegedly attempted to terminate an employee based on age and race. The candidate reportedly said they did not want ‘an old white man’ in a director position and sought ways to justify his dismissal. Such behaviors typically never surface in a standard resume review.

Today, an individual’s online presence can determine the fate of your organization’s culture and reputation. Whether it is a viral video clip, a resurfaced tweet, or a private post shared publicly, the warning signs are often available for anyone to see.

Prevent Public Scandals with Proactive Social Media Screening

Robust social media screening can stop these scenarios before they make headlines, and prevent employers from making the same mistakes others were not proactive enough to avoid. Drawing on best practices, the benefits of social media screening include:

1. Identify Misconduct Early: Automated tools scan thousands of public online sources such as Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and more for online harassment, hate speech, or threats. Early alerts let you address risk before hiring decisions are finalized or misconduct scandals play out in the public eye.
   
   
2. Protect Brand Reputation: By detecting harmful content prior to onboarding or as it emerges, employers can defend their organization’s public image and maintain employee, customer, and public trust.
   
   
3. Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Screening frameworks help employers comply with EEOC, FCRA, GDPR, and other employment and data protection laws by standardizing review processes and protecting candidate and employee privacy.
   
   
4. Preserve Company Culture: A thorough review of public behavior ensures new hires align with your organization’s code of conduct and maintain a respectful workplace.

Integrating social media screening into your talent acquisition and talent management strategies transforms your hiring process from reactive to proactive. You gain confidence knowing you’ve uncovered critical insights into each candidate’s online footprint.

Ready to minimize reputational risk and build a safer workplace? Book a demo of Fama’s social media screening solution and stay ahead of emerging threats.