PinkNews founders Benjamin Cohen and Anthony James accused of sexual misconduct and misogyny

Benjamin Cohen, the founder of PinkNews, and his husband Anthony James, the company’s director, are facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying, and misogyny. 

The couple, who run the world’s largest LGBT news website, have been accused by current and former staff members of creating a toxic work environment, marked by inappropriate behavior, harassment, and bullying.

In a BBC documentary titled ‘PinkNews: Behind Closed Doors,’ several former employees spoke out about troubling incidents. One prominent claim involves Anthony James allegedly kissing and groping a junior colleague who was too intoxicated to consent. The incident took place outside a London pub following a PinkNews event, with witnesses describing the colleague as “unable to stand or talk.” According to one former employee, “When the CEO of the company is supposedly the biggest liability at the Christmas party, it's not a great look.”

Over 30 individuals who worked at PinkNews between 2017 and 2024 have come forward with similar allegations. They described a heavy drinking culture at the company, which included events where both Cohen and James engaged in inappropriate conduct with younger male employees. Some of these staff members expressed fear of retaliation if they reported the incidents.

Among the allegations, several employees accused Cohen of inappropriate behavior, including one ex-staffer who said Cohen made sexual suggestions while extremely drunk at a pub after work. Another former employee, Stephan Kyriacou, recalled an incident at a work Christmas party where Cohen slapped him on the bottom in front of colleagues. Kyriacou said the act made him avoid Cohen from that point forward, but he never received an apology.

The allegations also highlight a culture of misogyny at PinkNews. Several female staff members claimed that they were asked to act as surrogates for Cohen and James, often under the guise of humor. Despite the seemingly lighthearted tone, these requests reportedly made many women uncomfortable.

Further complaints described a "toxic" atmosphere, with Cohen reportedly belittling staff and creating a tense environment that affected employees’ mental health. Cai Wilshaw, former head of external affairs at PinkNews, described working with Cohen as particularly challenging, noting that his presence often created a “dark cloud” in the office.

Cohen and James have denied the allegations, claiming they are false, but have refrained from commenting on the BBC investigation. PinkNews has also not responded to requests for comment.

The scandal has placed PinkNews, an organization that was once at the forefront of LGBT rights advocacy, in the midst of a crisis. Staff members who once worked under Cohen’s leadership are now grappling with the fallout, with many expressing feelings of fear and betrayal. As the investigation continues, the case has sparked important conversations about power dynamics, consent, and workplace culture within the LGBT community and beyond.