PinkNews bosses deny ‘malicious’ sexual misconduct claims
The couple behind PinkNews have called the company’s sexual misconduct claims “false, inconsistent and malicious” in their first statement since the BBC investigated allegations of their conduct.
Benjamin Cohen and Anthony James published an open letter on the PinkNews website accusing the BBC of misleading the public about its response to the investigation.
this BBC Documentary Interviews with 30 former and current PinkNews employees allege that a culture of alcoholism led to inappropriate behavior by Mr. Cohen and Dr. James.
Mr. Cohen and Dr. James said they were initially unable to respond because of the ongoing criminal investigation. The BBC has been contacted for comment.
PinkNews says its content about the LGBT community reaches millions of viewers.
Five former staff told the BBC they saw Dr James kissing and touching a young colleague who was described as “too drunk to consent”.
Others said there was a toxic work culture at the company and they were afraid to speak out because the company’s two most senior bosses were married.
When contacted about the initial investigation, representatives for Mr Cohen and Dr James told the BBC they were unable to provide statements at this time. However, the BBC understands the couple’s position is that the allegations are false, which is included in the report.
Today, the couple released a statement saying the report had caused “extremely serious harm” to them, PinkNews and their colleagues.
The letter reads: “In August we made a criminal complaint to the police regarding alleged crimes against us in relation to these recent reports.
“As we told the BBC before the first broadcast, a police investigation is ongoing and we have been advised not to comment.
“We now know the device has been seized and the forensic investigation continues.”
The statement added: “Although the BBC was aware of the police investigation, it chose to broadcast and mislead the public about our response. We have consulted lawyers regarding these false, inconsistent and malicious allegations.”
“We explained to the BBC that the stage of the police investigation means we are unable to comment on the specific allegations, although they are strenuously denied.”
Since the report was released last week, more than 10 more former employees have shared their experiences at PinkNews with the BBC.
After the report, Dr. James has been suspended He has been relieved of his duties as deputy non-executive director of the NHS pending further information.
There is no suggestion that the suspension is related to his behavior within the NHS.
The BBC has contacted representatives for Dr James for comment on his suspension.
