New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed shock and outrage following the resignation of a senior staff member accused of secretly recording women and violating their privacy through inappropriate actions.
New Zealand PM Expresses Shock After Aide Resignation Over Recording Allegations
New Zealand PM Expresses Shock After Aide Resignation Over Recording Allegations
Aide's secret recording of women raises serious concerns regarding privacy violations.
In a disturbing revelation, Michael Forbes, who served as Luxon's deputy chief press secretary, stepped down after allegations surfaced claiming he used his phone to record women without their consent. The controversy ignited when a sex worker reported discovering that Forbes' device was capturing audio while he showered. Subsequent investigations revealed his phone contained not only explicit audio recordings of intimate encounters but also numerous photos and videos of women taken in public settings, such as gyms and supermarkets, as well as four instances of women filmed inside their homes from outside.
Describing the situation as an "absolute shock," Luxon condemned Forbes' behavior, stating he has a "zero tolerance" policy towards actions that compromise individuals' safety and sense of security. His remarks came just a day after Forbes' resignation, during which the Prime Minister voiced his support for the women affected by these allegations.
In response to the uproar, Luxon and other political leaders have signaled their willingness to consider revisions to privacy laws to provide more robust protections against voyeurism. Reports indicate that police were notified of a complaint from a Wellington brothel about Forbes last July but found that it did not warrant criminal charges. The connection between Forbes and the sex worker reportedly occurred in July 2024, and after being confronted about the audio recording, Forbes allegedly provided the woman with his phone password, revealing multiple unauthorized recordings and photos.
Both Luxon and his predecessor, Social Development Minister Louise Upston, claimed they were unaware of the prior complaint regarding Forbes’ behavior. In his resignation statement, Forbes attributed his actions to unresolved trauma and stress, for which he has since sought professional help. He admitted that he had not adequately apologized for his actions at the time.
Prime Minister Luxon emphasized the need for a thorough review of "inter-agency processes," highlighting that relevant authorities had knowledge of Forbes' ongoing investigation since last July but failed to notify government ministers. "We must take a close look at this incident to understand its implications and consider what further actions can be taken," he stated.
Describing the situation as an "absolute shock," Luxon condemned Forbes' behavior, stating he has a "zero tolerance" policy towards actions that compromise individuals' safety and sense of security. His remarks came just a day after Forbes' resignation, during which the Prime Minister voiced his support for the women affected by these allegations.
In response to the uproar, Luxon and other political leaders have signaled their willingness to consider revisions to privacy laws to provide more robust protections against voyeurism. Reports indicate that police were notified of a complaint from a Wellington brothel about Forbes last July but found that it did not warrant criminal charges. The connection between Forbes and the sex worker reportedly occurred in July 2024, and after being confronted about the audio recording, Forbes allegedly provided the woman with his phone password, revealing multiple unauthorized recordings and photos.
Both Luxon and his predecessor, Social Development Minister Louise Upston, claimed they were unaware of the prior complaint regarding Forbes’ behavior. In his resignation statement, Forbes attributed his actions to unresolved trauma and stress, for which he has since sought professional help. He admitted that he had not adequately apologized for his actions at the time.
Prime Minister Luxon emphasized the need for a thorough review of "inter-agency processes," highlighting that relevant authorities had knowledge of Forbes' ongoing investigation since last July but failed to notify government ministers. "We must take a close look at this incident to understand its implications and consider what further actions can be taken," he stated.
