A BBC investigation has found multiple allegations of sexual harassment and bullying at the international broadcaster.
A BBC investigation - drawing on interviews with several current and former employees at Al Jazeera, and documentary evidence of inappropriate messages and staff complaints - has found several allegations of sexual harassment against Mr Santamaria in the broadcaster's Doha newsroom. Some say he wasn't the only one.
Employees also told the BBC they struggle to raise issues in Qatar, a tiny gas-rich state in the heart of the Gulf which has been criticised for its record on human rights and gender equality. Tory says she discussed Mr Santamaria's behaviour with at least one fellow colleague and a mid-level manager, both of whom have confirmed to the BBC these conversations took place.Al Jazeera launched in 1996, and soon attracted large audiences for its dynamic coverage of the Arab world
Another former junior producer said Mr Santamaria kissed her on the neck at work - in front of multiple people. "I felt so embarrassed and mortified and really worried that people would think I was involved with him or trying to be - I was still making friends, didn't have anyone in management that I could've talked to about it," she said.
"I had reported him six years ago, and nothing was done," she says. "How many more people did he do this to since then?"Fiona and others are asking why their complaints against Mr Santamaria did not lead to an inquiry - unlike at TVNZ, which independently reviewed his hiring as soon as allegations emerged. TVNZ did not find fault with the recruitment process but the head of news who hired Mr Santamaria resigned.
"He has said the most inappropriate stuff - he asks male employees when they are getting a second wife or if they've lost their virginity yet. He talks about sex during Ramadan and asks hijabis what colour their hair is," one of the women said. Everyone in the team, including senior producers, was "terrified" of her, according to David, because of her "domineering" and "rude" manner. But, he adds, few complained about her because she was close to a top manager.
Everyone the BBC spoke to said they fear speaking up because every aspect of their lives is linked to their jobs. "Management and HR certainly knew about Kamahl Santamaria," said Katie Turner, a former news editor at Al Jazeera in Doha. She was never targeted but has beenAl Jazeera HR had received complaints of harassment in the newsroom, according to her. During her exit interview, when she hesitated before naming Mr Santamaria, she says the HR manager asked if it was another senior leader.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
BBC apologises after Harry Potter star swears during interview about new ChancellorThe actress had been on the Today programme paying tribute to the late actor Robbie Coltrane, who died on Friday.
Read more »
Chancellor admits mistakes made, and some taxes will rise - BBC News'There were some mistakes made in the last few weeks, that's why I'm sitting here' Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says mistakes have been 'addressed' and the UK government aims to 'create growth with stability'
Read more »
Prince William 'feels Netflix The Crown is cashing in on Diana's BBC interview'PRINCE William feels Netflix’s The Crown is cashing in on Princess Diana’s “deceitful” BBC interview, sources claim. The Prince of Wales has made his thoughts on the intervi…
Read more »