Michael Forbes, the deputy chief press secretary to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has resigned following allegations of secretly recording women, including sex workers. The Prime Minister expressed shock at the news and has pledged to review privacy laws to prevent future incidents.
New Zealand Prime Minister's Office in Turmoil Over Staff Member's Disturbing Allegations
New Zealand Prime Minister's Office in Turmoil Over Staff Member's Disturbing Allegations
A senior aide to PM Christopher Luxon resigns after facing accusations of secretly recording women, prompting calls for legal reform.
In a shocking twist for New Zealand's political landscape, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is grappling with the fallout from disturbing allegations against a member of his staff. Michael Forbes, who previously served as the deputy chief press secretary, has resigned after numerous reports surfaced claiming he had been secretly recording women and capturing audio of sexual encounters.
The allegations first came to light when a sex worker realized that Forbes' phone was recording audio while he was in the shower. Further investigation revealed that his phone contained numerous images of women captured in various private and public settings, including the gym and supermarket, as well as four explicit video clips taken of women in their homes, allegedly through a window.
Prime Minister Luxon described the situation as an "absolute shock," reaffirming his administration's commitment to maintaining a secure environment for women. "I have zero tolerance for any behavior that makes women or anyone feel unsafe," Luxon stated as he addressed the media following Forbes’ resignation. The Prime Minister extended his sympathy to the women affected and expressed his support for potential changes in privacy legislation aimed at safeguarding individuals from voyeurism.
Reports indicate that police were initially notified of the allegations in July 2024 by a Wellington brothel concerning photos found on a client's device. However, after reviewing the case, the police determined that it did not warrant legal action. Forbes, who was confronted by the sex worker, reportedly gave her access to his phone, where multiple incriminating recordings were discovered.
Having only taken on his role as acting deputy press secretary to Luxon in February, Forbes described himself as being in a "downward spiral due to unresolved trauma and stress" during the incidents. He admitted to having not made a proper attempt to apologize at the time, although he has since sought professional support.
In light of the revelations, Prime Minister Luxon has called for a thorough review of inter-agency processes, highlighting the need for closer communication among authorities. "We must take this incident seriously and understand how it occurred and what more can be done to prevent such failures in the future," he emphasized. The political realm is now left to grapple with the implications of these distressing accusations as the Prime Minister strives to foster a safer environment for all citizens.
