New Zealand PM Faces Crisis as Aide Resigns Over Voyeurism Allegations

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is reeling from the resignation of his deputy chief press secretary, Michael Forbes, following shocking allegations of voyeurism and inappropriate behavior. Forbes allegedly recorded audio of sexual encounters without consent and possessed unauthorized images of women.

In a disturbing revelation that has sent shockwaves through New Zealand's political landscape, Michael Forbes, the previously esteemed deputy chief press secretary to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has resigned amid serious allegations of secretly recording women. The accusations surfaced after a sex worker discovered that Forbes' phone had been recording audio while he used the shower. Subsequent investigations revealed that his phone contained multiple unauthorized photos and videos of women, alongside recordings documenting sexual encounters.

The unwanted footage reportedly included images taken discreetly in public places like gyms and supermarkets, as well as invasive videos captured through the windows of women's homes. Luxon publicly expressed his "absolute shock" at the allegations and asserted a zero-tolerance policy towards any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of women. He extended his sympathies to those affected by Forbes' actions as the broader political community rallied around proposed reforms aimed at tightening privacy laws to protect victims of voyeurism.

Prior police investigations into Forbes were noted, with a Wellington brothel contacting authorities last July regarding a complaint; however, it was deemed that there was insufficient evidence for prosecution at that time. Forbes had been serving as the press secretary to the social development minister Louise Upston before transitioning to Luxon's office earlier this year.

Responding to the emerging scandal, both Upston and Luxon emphasized their ignorance of the earlier investigation, while Forbes offered a convoluted explanation claiming he was experiencing unresolved trauma that contributed to his actions. He admitted his failure to appropriately apologize and has sought professional help since.

In light of the incident, Luxon called for a review of the investigative processes, pointing out a significant lapse where law enforcement did not inform government officials of Forbes' ongoing investigation. "We need to unpack what happened here and determine how we can prevent similar situations in the future," he stated.