It’s no secret that workplace scandals involving CEOs and bosses can get pretty wild, but some stories stand out for their sheer audacity and messiness. From affairs to blatant hypocrisy, here are some of the most outrageous things boss and CEO have done — based on real accounts shared by employees and workplace insiders.
One of the most talked-about recent scandals involved Andy Byron, the former CEO of Astronomer. He was caught on a kiss-cam allegedly cheating on his partner with another employee, a moment that went viral and ultimately led to his resignation. This incident sparked chaos among employees and even prompted Coldplay to warn their audience before the camera was turned at a concert, creating a spectacle that made headlines worldwide.
But Byron’s story isn’t even the worst or most bizarre. Many employees have shared their own shocking stories, including CEOs who used company expenses to buy luxury watches while asking teams to “tighten their belts,” or leaders who faked climate change credentials just to impress high-profile clients. Others have witnessed managers who pretend to care about “family values” while denying parental leave to employees or layoff staff without severance under the guise of “passion for the mission.”
There are also tales of infidelity—CEOs having affairs with secretaries or other staff members, promoting them over others, or even managing to keep their scandals hidden for a long time. For instance, some workplaces reported managers who instructed their teams to cut costs while they were flying private jets or attending lavish events. The hypocrisy and greed often go hand-in-hand in these stories.
If you’ve ever experienced or witnessed something wild in your own workplace, whether it’s a boss sleeping with a secretary, faking credentials, or blatantly ignoring basic ethical standards, share your story. The BuzzFeed community wants to hear about the most messed-up things your boss or CEO has ever done—anonymous submissions are welcome. Just imagine the chaos and incredibility, and drop your tales in the comments or fill out the form.
Some examples to get started:
– Did your CEO get caught having an affair and then promote the secret lover?
– Was your boss caught expensing luxury items while simultaneously complaining about budget cuts?
– Did they claim to champion “sustainability” while jetting around on private planes?
– Or perhaps, your boss told everyone to “be more passionate about the mission” right before laying people off without severance?
The workplace scandals can be wild, hilarious, or downright appalling—what’s the craziest thing you’ve seen from your boss or boss’s antics?
