**Michael Forbes, previously working as deputy chief press secretary, is accused of secretly recording women, prompting calls for a review of privacy laws.**
**New Zealand Prime Minister Reacts to Aide's Disturbing Allegations**
**New Zealand Prime Minister Reacts to Aide's Disturbing Allegations**
**A staff member's resignation highlights issues of privacy and safety for women in New Zealand.**
In a shocking development for New Zealand's political landscape, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed dismay over the resignation of his deputy chief press secretary, Michael Forbes, following serious allegations of misconduct. Forbes has been accused of secretly recording audio of sexual encounters and taking photos and videos of women without their consent.
The controversy erupted after a sex worker made a complaint regarding Forbes' behavior, revealing that his phone had been recording audio while he was in the shower. Subsequent investigations uncovered that Forbes' device housed various intrusive recordings, including images of women at gyms and supermarkets, and videos captured without consent from inside their homes.
Luxon, while addressing the media, stated that the allegations were an "absolute shock" and emphasized the government’s "zero tolerance" for any actions that compromise the safety of women. He extended his support to the victims and indicated that this incident could prompt a review of existing privacy laws to enhance protections against such invasive behavior.
The local police were previously alerted about the issue when a Wellington brothel reported discovering explicit images on a client's phone. However, authorities determined the case did not meet the necessary legal threshold for prosecution. Forbes, having served under Luxon since February, admitted to being in a "downward spiral" attributed to unresolved personal trauma during the time of the incident and has since sought professional help.
In response to the unfolding situation, the Prime Minister has called for a thorough review of inter-agency processes, especially given that police had knowledge of the investigation a year prior but did not notify government officials. Luxon stated the importance of understanding how such negligence occurred and the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, reinforcing the administration's commitment to women's safety and accountability.
The controversy erupted after a sex worker made a complaint regarding Forbes' behavior, revealing that his phone had been recording audio while he was in the shower. Subsequent investigations uncovered that Forbes' device housed various intrusive recordings, including images of women at gyms and supermarkets, and videos captured without consent from inside their homes.
Luxon, while addressing the media, stated that the allegations were an "absolute shock" and emphasized the government’s "zero tolerance" for any actions that compromise the safety of women. He extended his support to the victims and indicated that this incident could prompt a review of existing privacy laws to enhance protections against such invasive behavior.
The local police were previously alerted about the issue when a Wellington brothel reported discovering explicit images on a client's phone. However, authorities determined the case did not meet the necessary legal threshold for prosecution. Forbes, having served under Luxon since February, admitted to being in a "downward spiral" attributed to unresolved personal trauma during the time of the incident and has since sought professional help.
In response to the unfolding situation, the Prime Minister has called for a thorough review of inter-agency processes, especially given that police had knowledge of the investigation a year prior but did not notify government officials. Luxon stated the importance of understanding how such negligence occurred and the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, reinforcing the administration's commitment to women's safety and accountability.
