New Zealand Prime Minister’s Team Faces Allegations of Covertly Filming Women
A significant scandal has emerged within the office of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, leading to the resignation of Michael Forbes, his deputy chief press secretary. Forbes has been accused of secretly recording women and audio of sex workers without their consent. The allegations surfaced when a sex worker discovered that Forbes’ phone was recording audio while he was in the shower, prompting further investigation that revealed a disturbing collection of unauthorized images and recordings.
Allegations and Resignation
The controversy began when a sex worker noticed Forbes’ phone recording audio during a private moment. This alarming discovery led to a deeper examination of his device, which contained numerous unauthorized photos and videos of women, including images taken in public spaces like gyms and supermarkets. Reports indicate that Forbes had also recorded intimate encounters with sex workers, raising serious concerns about privacy violations. Following these revelations, Forbes issued a public apology, expressing regret for the harm he caused to the women involved. His resignation came swiftly after the allegations gained traction, marking a significant fall from grace for a member of the Prime Minister’s staff.
Prime Minister’s Response
Prime Minister Luxon expressed his shock at the allegations, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of women. He stated that he has “zero tolerance for any behavior that makes women or anyone feel unsafe.” Luxon extended his sympathy to the women affected by Forbes’ actions, highlighting the need for accountability in such serious matters. In light of the incident, he, along with other political leaders, has indicated a willingness to reevaluate privacy laws to better protect individuals from voyeurism and similar offenses.
Previous Complaints and Investigations
The police had previously received a complaint regarding Forbes from a Wellington brothel last July, concerning unauthorized photos found on a client’s phone. However, authorities determined that the case did not meet the threshold for prosecution at that time. The encounter that led to the current allegations reportedly took place in July 2024, when Forbes was still serving as press secretary to the Minister of Social Development, Louise Upston. Following the incident, Forbes became the acting deputy press secretary to Luxon in February. Both Upston and Luxon have stated they were unaware of the earlier complaint against Forbes.
Calls for Review and Accountability
In the wake of this scandal, Prime Minister Luxon has called for a thorough review of inter-agency processes. This follows comments from police chief Richard Chambers, who revealed that authorities had been aware of an investigation into Forbes since last July but failed to inform ministers. Luxon stressed the importance of understanding how this situation unfolded and what measures can be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. Forbes, in his statement, acknowledged his struggles with unresolved trauma and stress during the time of the incidents and admitted he had not made a genuine attempt to apologize earlier. The unfolding events have raised critical questions about privacy, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals in society.
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