In a shocking turn of events, New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's deputy chief press secretary, Michael Forbes, has resigned following grave allegations regarding his conduct. Reports from RNZ indicate that Forbes, a former journalist, has been accused of recording audio during private sessions with sex workers in Wellington, as well as capturing intimate photos of women in various public settings.

The investigation conducted by Stuff revealed that Forbes allegedly documented multiple encounters with sex workers, in addition to amassing a collection of images and videos featuring women in private moments, such as working out at the gym or getting ready for a night out, all filmed through windows of their residences.

A particularly troubling account was shared by a Wellington sex worker, who recounted a disturbing incident from July 2024. During a session, she discovered that Forbes had allegedly activated his phone's voice recorder while in the shower. Concerned, she and other sex workers operating that night requested access to his phone. Upon examination, they reportedly uncovered numerous audio recordings of their sessions alongside albums filled with compromising photographs and videos.

In a public statement, Michael Forbes expressed deep remorse for the distress his actions have caused, stating, “I want to offer my sincerest apologies to the women I have harmed.” Forbes acknowledged that he had been grappling with unresolved trauma and stress, which he believes contributed to his troubling behavior. He admitted to failing to properly address the harm caused by his actions and emphasized the importance of seeking professional help, something he now regrets not doing sooner.

Moreover, Forbes reflected on the year he spent contemplating the implications of his actions, stating, “I recognize how wrong that was. No one should ever feel violated, unsafe, or disrespected, especially in spaces where they should feel secure.” He highlighted that therapy has been instrumental in helping him understand the underlying issues that led to his behavior and committed to a long-term plan for personal change.

Following these events, Forbes announced his resignation, stating, “I understand that my past actions may have undermined the trust people place in me. So, I have resigned from my job to focus on the work I need to do.” He acknowledged that his behavior had serious repercussions, and he aims to address the damage he has caused.

According to Wellington District Manager for Criminal Investigations, John Van Den Heuvel, the police had been alerted to the situation by a Wellington brothel back in July of the previous year. A client was found with concerning images and recordings on their phone, prompting an investigation. However, the case was ultimately closed as it did not meet the necessary criteria for criminal prosecution.

In response to the unfolding situation, a spokesperson from the prime minister's office confirmed that they were made aware of the allegations on the evening of June 3. “The matters were immediately raised with Ministerial Services, and the prime minister was informed that evening. The allegations were serious and concerning,” the spokesperson stated. They revealed that discussions with Forbes on that evening made it clear that his position was no longer tenable. Consequently, he was stood down and chose to resign the following morning. Should he have not resigned, it was anticipated that his employment would have been terminated after a brief investigation.

As this situation continues to develop, it raises significant discussions surrounding workplace ethics, privacy rights, and the treatment of individuals in vulnerable professions.