PinkNews boss suspended from NHS job after sexual misconduct claim

Dr Anthony James (right) and his husband Benjamin Cohen (left) have been accused of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour at PinkNews (Picture: GettyRex)

A PinkNews boss has been suspended from his NHS job after allegations of sexual misconduct at the LGBTQ+ publisher emerged.

Five former members of PinkNews staff told BBC News they saw Chief Operating Officer Dr Anthony James kissing and touching a younger colleague who was ‘too drunk to stand or talk’ and ‘unable to consent’.

The alleged incident occurred outside a London pub where they had gathered for a PinkNews event.

One former staff member said: ‘Anthony was just forcing himself on somebody who wasn’t able to make that decision for themselves because of how intoxicated they were.’

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has now said it has suspended Dr James from his role as associate non-executive director ‘pending further information’.

Benjamin Cohen and Anthony James run the world’s largest LGBT+ news website, the UK-based PinkNews (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

The Trust said 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 said: ‘Following these allegations, we made the decision on Tuesday 10 December to suspend him from his associate non-executive role pending further information.’

The BBC investigation spoke to 33 former and current PinkNews workers, who made allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour against both Dr James and his husband, PinkNews founder Benjamin Cohen.

PinkNews, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ news website, says it ‘exists to inform, inspire change and empower people to be themselves’.

No claims were made of wrongdoing during Dr James’ time at the NHS.

Representatives of Mr Cohen and Dr James told the BBC dismissed the allegations as false but said they were not able to provide a statement in response to the claims published by the BBC on Monday.

Metro has contacted PinkNews for comment.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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