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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| PinkNews boss suspended from NHS job after BBC investigation | PinkNews boss suspended from NHS job after BBC investigation |
| (2 months later) | |
| Benjamin Cohen, left, and husband Anthony James are accused of sexual misconduct by PinkNews staff | Benjamin Cohen, left, and husband Anthony James are accused of sexual misconduct by PinkNews staff |
| PinkNews director Dr Anthony James has been suspended from his job in the NHS, after a BBC News investigation heard allegations of sexual misconduct at the publisher. | PinkNews director Dr Anthony James has been suspended from his job in the NHS, after a BBC News investigation heard allegations of sexual misconduct at the publisher. |
| Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said they made the decision to suspend Dr James from his role as associate non-executive director pending further information. | Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said they made the decision to suspend Dr James from his role as associate non-executive director pending further information. |
| Representatives for PinkNews founder Benjamin Cohen and his husband, the site's Chief Operating Officer Dr James, told the BBC they were not able to provide a statement at this time in relation to the original claims made to the BBC, but that their position is that the allegations are false. | Representatives for PinkNews founder Benjamin Cohen and his husband, the site's Chief Operating Officer Dr James, told the BBC they were not able to provide a statement at this time in relation to the original claims made to the BBC, but that their position is that the allegations are false. |
| The BBC has contacted representatives for Dr James about his suspension. | The BBC has contacted representatives for Dr James about his suspension. |
| A BBC investigation spoke to more than 30 former and current workers at PinkNews, the world's largest LGBT News website. | A BBC investigation spoke to more than 30 former and current workers at PinkNews, the world's largest LGBT News website. |
| They said that a heavy drinking culture at the company had led to instances of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour from both Mr Cohen and Dr James. | They said that a heavy drinking culture at the company had led to instances of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour from both Mr Cohen and Dr James. |
| As part of the investigation, the BBC spoke to five former members of PinkNews staff who say they saw Dr James kissing and touching a younger colleague, who was described as "too drunk to consent." | As part of the investigation, the BBC spoke to five former members of PinkNews staff who say they saw Dr James kissing and touching a younger colleague, who was described as "too drunk to consent." |
| Others described a toxic work culture and a fear of speaking out due to the fact the two most senior bosses at the website were a married couple. | Others described a toxic work culture and a fear of speaking out due to the fact the two most senior bosses at the website were a married couple. |
| When contacted about the original investigation, representatives for Mr Cohen and Dr James told the BBC they were not able to provide a statement at this time, but that their position is that the allegations are false. | When contacted about the original investigation, representatives for Mr Cohen and Dr James told the BBC they were not able to provide a statement at this time, but that their position is that the allegations are false. |
| 'Aware of allegations' | 'Aware of allegations' |
| Following the publication of the investigation, more than 10 former PinkNews staff members have come forward to share their experiences of working there. | Following the publication of the investigation, more than 10 former PinkNews staff members have come forward to share their experiences of working there. |
| As well as his role at PinkNews, Dr James also served part-time as an associate non-executive director in the NHS. | As well as his role at PinkNews, Dr James also served part-time as an associate non-executive director in the NHS. |
| The role, described by the NHS as a "step up" role, was designed to allow people with potential to become non-executive directors to get more experience working on an NHS board. | The role, described by the NHS as a "step up" role, was designed to allow people with potential to become non-executive directors to get more experience working on an NHS board. |
| Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust told the BBC it was "aware of allegations made on the BBC against Dr Anthony James, associate non-executive director, in his role as PinkNews' chief operating officer." | Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust told the BBC it was "aware of allegations made on the BBC against Dr Anthony James, associate non-executive director, in his role as PinkNews' chief operating officer." |
| A spokesperson for the trust added: "Following these allegations, we made the decision on Tuesday 10 December to suspend him from his associate non-executive role pending further information." | A spokesperson for the trust added: "Following these allegations, we made the decision on Tuesday 10 December to suspend him from his associate non-executive role pending further information." |
| There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing during Dr James' time with the NHS. | There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing during Dr James' time with the NHS. |
| The BBC contacted representatives for Dr James for comment on his suspension. | The BBC contacted representatives for Dr James for comment on his suspension. |
| Additional Reporting by Kristian Johnson | Additional Reporting by Kristian Johnson |