He was involved in a harassment scandal.
Numerous individuals who have either worked alongside or under Anthony Bernal, serving as an assistant to the president and a key aide to the first lady, have levied serious accusations against him. These accusations span a range of troubling behaviors, including prolonged instances of bullying and verbal sexual harassment. Among the disturbing claims are reports alleging Bernal’s involvement in inappropriate discussions regarding the physical attributes of staffers, particularly regarding the sizes of their genitals. Such actions were perceived by some sources as attempts by Bernal to exert dominance and control over his colleagues.
Initially brought to light by the New York Post, those who stepped forward with these allegations did so in the hope of holding Bernal accountable for his actions. However, there exists a degree of skepticism among some, who speculate that Bernal may be shielded from repercussions due to his close ties with the first lady.
Requests for comment regarding the potential for an internal investigation into Bernal’s behavior were met with silence from both the White House and the first lady’s office. Instead, statements defending Bernal’s character and professionalism were issued by current and former members of President Biden’s inner circle, as well as Bernal’s past colleagues.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, individuals who have collaborated closely with Bernal over the years have voiced admiration for his leadership qualities. They paint a picture of him as a compassionate and supportive figure, dedicated to serving others and maintaining a consistent level of professionalism throughout his career.
The allegations against Bernal extend beyond discussions about genital sizes to include claims of questioning individuals’ sexual orientations and intruding into their personal lives. Following the publication of these accusations, a former high-ranking aide to President Biden came forward to corroborate them, citing similar experiences during their tenure in the administration. This individual stressed the importance of a thorough investigation in light of the substantial number of sources coming forward with allegations against Bernal.