The Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the allegations against his former deputy chief press secretary, Michael Forbes, who has been accused of secret recordings and voyeurism.
**New Zealand Prime Minister Faces Backlash After Aide's Recording Scandal**
**New Zealand Prime Minister Faces Backlash After Aide's Recording Scandal**
A shocking incident involving a senior aide has led to significant fallout for New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
In a shocking revelation, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has faced public outcry following the resignation of his deputy chief press secretary, Michael Forbes. Forbes stepped down after being accused of secretly recording audio and taking photos of women, including several sex workers. Luxon’s reaction, calling the situation an "absolute shock," reflects the gravity of the claims made against Forbes.
The allegations surfaced when a sex worker discovered that Forbes' phone was actively recording while he showered. Upon further investigation, additional disturbing evidence was found on the device, including photos of women taken in private settings and videos allegedly captured from outside their homes.
The Prime Minister emphasized his commitment to safeguarding the well-being of women, stating he has "zero tolerance for any behaviour that makes women or anyone feel unsafe." His sentiments were echoed by other political figures, many of whom are now pushing for a review of current privacy laws to enhance protections for potential victims of voyeurism.
Compounding the situation, police previously received a complaint about Forbes in July 2024 but determined the evidence did not warrant legal action. The complaint was triggered after Forbes, who had been serving as Upston’s press secretary before moving to Luxon’s team, reportedly provided his phone's password to the sex worker after she confronted him about the recordings.
Despite claims of seeking professional help due to personal struggles, Forbes acknowledged that he had not adequately addressed his actions at the time. Following the growing scrutiny, Prime Minister Luxon has called for an investigation into the handling of the case to ensure accountability across government agencies.
The allegations surfaced when a sex worker discovered that Forbes' phone was actively recording while he showered. Upon further investigation, additional disturbing evidence was found on the device, including photos of women taken in private settings and videos allegedly captured from outside their homes.
The Prime Minister emphasized his commitment to safeguarding the well-being of women, stating he has "zero tolerance for any behaviour that makes women or anyone feel unsafe." His sentiments were echoed by other political figures, many of whom are now pushing for a review of current privacy laws to enhance protections for potential victims of voyeurism.
Compounding the situation, police previously received a complaint about Forbes in July 2024 but determined the evidence did not warrant legal action. The complaint was triggered after Forbes, who had been serving as Upston’s press secretary before moving to Luxon’s team, reportedly provided his phone's password to the sex worker after she confronted him about the recordings.
Despite claims of seeking professional help due to personal struggles, Forbes acknowledged that he had not adequately addressed his actions at the time. Following the growing scrutiny, Prime Minister Luxon has called for an investigation into the handling of the case to ensure accountability across government agencies.
