A top aide to President Biden and first lady Jill Biden, Anthony Bernal, is facing allegations of sexual harassment and bullying by nearly a dozen current and former colleagues. The accusations include verbal sexual harassment and inappropriate comments made by Bernal, such as speculating on the penis sizes of staffers to make them uncomfortable.
The White House and the first lady's office have not confirmed whether an internal investigation will be conducted into the matter. However, members of Biden's inner circle and former coworkers of Bernal have come forward to defend his character.
Statements from various sources describe Bernal as a generous, conscientious, and professional individual who values and appreciates his colleagues. Former colleagues praised his leadership skills and compassion, emphasizing his dedication to public service.
Despite the allegations, supporters of Bernal maintain that they have never witnessed any inappropriate behavior from him. They highlight his commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire others to achieve extraordinary results.
The allegations against Bernal, who is openly gay, include instances of making inappropriate remarks about colleagues' physical attributes and prying into their personal lives. Some sources believe that the reported behavior constitutes sexual harassment and are calling for further investigation.
President Biden has previously stated a zero-tolerance policy for disrespect or mistreatment of colleagues within his administration. While the White House has expressed confidence in Bernal's character, the allegations have raised concerns about whether his actions align with Biden's commitment to a respectful work environment.
In response to the accusations, Bernal's supporters have emphasized his professionalism and dedication to public service, dismissing the claims as unfounded attacks from unnamed sources. The controversy surrounding Bernal underscores the challenges of addressing workplace misconduct and maintaining a culture of respect and accountability in high-profile settings.
