PinkNews, the world’s largest LGBT news website, is under scrutiny following allegations of sexual misconduct and a toxic workplace environment. The allegations, reported by the BBC on December 10, focus on the company’s founders—Benjamin Cohen and his husband, Anthony James. Multiple former and current employees have accused the duo of inappropriate conduct, creating a firestorm for the influential media outlet
Anthony James is alleged to have engaged in non-consensual behaviour with a junior colleague after a PinkNews event in central London. According to a former employee, Gary, James allegedly groped and kissed the intoxicated colleague behind a tree, saying, “Anthony was just forcing himself on somebody who wasn’t able to make that decision for themselves.” Witnesses claimed they feared retaliation if they reported the incident.
A culture of inappropriate behaviour
PinkNews is also facing allegations of promoting excessive alcohol consumption at workplace events, including “Prosecco Fridays,” where inappropriate behaviour reportedly occurred. Damian, a former employee, described an unsettling encounter with Benjamin Cohen during a pub outing, alleging unwanted advances. Another employee, Stephan Kyriacou, shared that Cohen slapped him on the bottom at a Christmas party, leaving him uneasy about working closely with Cohen thereafter.
The organization’s leadership has also been accused of misogynistic behaviour. Staff members claim young female employees were asked, sometimes jokingly, to act as surrogates for Cohen and James, describing these remarks as “creepy” and “sleazy.”
Allegations of workplace toxicity
Former employees have described PinkNews as a toxic workplace, citing bullying and emotional abuse under Cohen’s leadership. Damian highlighted the intense pressure and personal stress stemming from Cohen’s management style, which reportedly created a hostile work environment. Despite these claims, employees feared speaking out due to potential repercussions.
Denials and the road ahead
Representatives for Cohen and James have denied all allegations, stating they are unable to comment further but asserting that the accusations are false. Current and former employees, however, are calling for accountability and meaningful changes to align PinkNews’s workplace culture with its mission of empowering the LGBT community.
As a prominent voice in LGBT rights and advocacy, PinkNews’s credibility is now at stake. The unfolding allegations pose a significant challenge to its leadership and its role as a beacon for equality in the media landscape.
