Three former Ubisoft executives were found guilty of sexual and psychological harassment, receiving suspended sentences and fines, highlighting accountability for toxic workplace cultures.
The wellness industry is increasingly criticized for its fearmongering tactics, which can lead to anxiety and stress rather than improved health. While wellness influencers can offer valuable insights, the commercialization of wellness often promotes expensive and isolating practices that may not benefit long-term health. Critics argue that true wellness should include community and social connections, rather than fostering fear and hyper-independence.
In the latest episode of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, former child actor Raquel Lee Bolleau alleges that Amanda Bynes repeatedly spat in her face while filming a sketch for The Amanda Show, with the director urging her to keep her cool. The docuseries explores the toxic culture behind popular Nickelodeon shows from the late 1990s and early 2000s, with Bolleau's experience sparking reactions from other former cast members. Bynes did not participate in the series, and it was previously reported that she declined to be interviewed due to not having a "bad experience" at Nickelodeon.
A new docuseries, "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," has brought to light the toxic culture and alleged abuse behind the scenes of popular Nickelodeon shows in the 1990s and 2000s, including accusations of inappropriate behavior and sexual abuse. Former Nickelodeon stars, including Drake Bell, have come forward with allegations, shedding light on the disturbing experiences some child actors faced. The series also focuses on producer Dan Schneider, who has been accused of creating a toxic workplace and over-sexualizing young stars. Former stars are speaking out to bring attention to the need for better protection for current and future child actors in the industry.
Sentencing hearings for six law enforcement officers in Mississippi revealed a culture of extreme violence within the sheriff's department, where deputies were encouraged to use brutality as a policing tool. Former deputies testified that senior officers directed them to humiliate and torture people suspected of crimes, with younger deputies seeing violence as a means to earn promotions. The officers were sentenced for federal civil rights violations stemming from the torture and sexual assault of two Black men in January 2023, shocking the community with the details of the abuse.
A Harvard student, Matias Mayesh, criticized the decision to keep President Claudine Gay in light of her controversial testimony and plagiarism allegations, stating that it reflects a toxic culture on campus. Mayesh argued that the left protects its own, while the right does not, and expressed concern for the well-being of Jewish and white Christian students. Harvard University's top brass reaffirmed their support for Gay, despite backlash from Congress, alumni, and students. Gay's testimony on antisemitism and her academic writings were both scrutinized, with reports of inadequate citation and potential violations of Harvard's academic integrity policies. Mayesh called for a discussion on key issues such as antisemitism and education reform, hoping to address the larger toxic culture at Harvard.
Former Minnesota football players and staff members have accused coach P.J. Fleck of fostering a toxic and intimidating culture within the program. Allegations include interference with medical protocols, minimizing serious injuries, and implementing a system called the "Fleck Bank" to bypass consequences for failed drug tests. The university's athletic director has expressed support for Fleck, while previous investigations have largely exonerated those accused of misconduct. Minnesota joins other Big Ten programs, such as Iowa and Northwestern, facing controversy in recent years.
Behind the scenes of the hit TV series Lost, there was a toxic culture of racism and sexism, according to a scathing excerpt from TV critic Maureen Ryan's upcoming book, Burn It Down. Many women and people of color who worked on the show from 2004 to 2010 detailed large pay discrepancies, imbalances in screen time, and a generally hostile environment. Co-creator Damon Lindelof admits he failed to offer a safe and supportive environment.
Employees of Barbara Lynch's restaurant group have spoken out about a toxic culture that has festered within her restaurants unchecked. The fight at Menton was indicative of a much larger problem within the Lynch empire. Lynch's intoxication at work routinely led to inappropriate behavior that often made it difficult to do their jobs: Lashing out at staff and guests, unwanted touching, and threats of violence. Two former employees filed a lawsuit alleging that Lynch’s collective had shorted them tips in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two specialist units of the Metropolitan Police, the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command (PaDP) and the Specialist Firearms unit (MO19), have come under scrutiny in a report by Baroness Louise Casey. The report highlights toxic cultures of bullying, racism, and elitist attitudes in the units. Wayne Couzens and David Carrick, both convicted of serious crimes, worked in PaDP. MO19 is described as having a "boys club" that looks after its own, with sexism in plain sight. Female officers reported experiencing sexual harassment, inappropriate comments, and inadequate facilities. The report calls for urgent action to address the culture and behaviours inside these two units.