Michael Forbes, the deputy chief press secretary to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has resigned amidst disturbing allegations of secretly recording women, including audio of intimate encounters with sex workers. The situation arose after a sex worker realized that Forbes’ phone was actively recording audio while he was in the shower. Investigations revealed that his phone contained numerous unauthorized photos and videos of women, including those taken in private settings. Luxon described the revelations as an "absolute shock," condemning Forbes' actions and expressing support for the women affected. Following the incident, political leaders, including Luxon, are open to revising privacy laws to protect victims of voyeurism. Although police previously investigated Forbes after a complaint from a Wellington brothel, the case did not proceed to prosecution. Forbes admitted to struggling with unresolved trauma and stress, but acknowledged his failure to properly apologize at the time. Luxon has demanded a review of procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
New Zealand PM Shocked as Aide Resigns Over Secret Recording Allegations
New Zealand PM Shocked as Aide Resigns Over Secret Recording Allegations
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expresses disbelief as aide Michael Forbes resigns following serious accusations of secretly recording women and sex workers.
New Zealand PM Shocked as Aide Resigns Over Secret Recording Allegations
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expresses disbelief as aide Michael Forbes resigns following serious accusations of secretly recording women and sex workers.
Michael Forbes, the deputy chief press secretary to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has resigned amidst disturbing allegations of secretly recording women, including audio of intimate encounters with sex workers. The situation arose after a sex worker realized that Forbes’ phone was actively recording audio while he was in the shower. Investigations revealed that his phone contained numerous unauthorized photos and videos of women, including those taken in private settings. Luxon described the revelations as an "absolute shock," condemning Forbes' actions and expressing support for the women affected. Following the incident, political leaders, including Luxon, are open to revising privacy laws to protect victims of voyeurism. Although police previously investigated Forbes after a complaint from a Wellington brothel, the case did not proceed to prosecution. Forbes admitted to struggling with unresolved trauma and stress, but acknowledged his failure to properly apologize at the time. Luxon has demanded a review of procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expresses disbelief as aide Michael Forbes resigns following serious accusations of secretly recording women and sex workers.
Michael Forbes, the deputy chief press secretary to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has resigned amidst disturbing allegations of secretly recording women, including audio of intimate encounters with sex workers. The situation arose after a sex worker realized that Forbes’ phone was actively recording audio while he was in the shower. Investigations revealed that his phone contained numerous unauthorized photos and videos of women, including those taken in private settings. Luxon described the revelations as an "absolute shock," condemning Forbes' actions and expressing support for the women affected. Following the incident, political leaders, including Luxon, are open to revising privacy laws to protect victims of voyeurism. Although police previously investigated Forbes after a complaint from a Wellington brothel, the case did not proceed to prosecution. Forbes admitted to struggling with unresolved trauma and stress, but acknowledged his failure to properly apologize at the time. Luxon has demanded a review of procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
