Prime Minister's deputy chief press secretary resigns over recording allegations

Wednesday 4 June 2025 · 8 outlets · 5 reports · updated Wed 4 Jun 2025, 6:40pm

In this story Christopher Luxon, Michael Forbes

Michael Forbes has resigned from his role as Christopher Luxon's deputy chief press secretary following allegations that he recorded sex workers without consent. Reports suggest he also took intimate photos of women in public. Forbes has offered an apology for the harm caused by his actions.

How they headlined it

4:57pm6:40pm

1. Waikato Times via StuffWed 4 Jun 2025, 4:57pm

   PM’s press secretary ‘recorded sex workers without consent’ (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab), Stuff (opens in new tab), The Post (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsWed 4 Jun 2025, 5:38pm

   Prime Minister's staff member resigns over serious allegations (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldWed 4 Jun 2025, 5:52pm

   Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s press secretary resigns amid allegations of recording sex workers (opens in new tab)

4. RNZWed 4 Jun 2025, 6:05pm

   Prime Minister's deputy chief press secretary Michael Forbes resigns after reportedly recording sex workers without consent (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesWed 4 Jun 2025, 6:40pm

   Luxon's press secretary resigns over allegedly recording sex workers (opens in new tab)