The Washington Post has uncovered allegations of long-standing verbal harassment and bullying behavior by Anthony Bernal, a top aide to First Lady Jill Biden.
Bernal’s status as the first lady’s close confidant has reportedly made him “untouchable” within the White House despite multiple complaints about his conduct.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Bernal has engaged in inappropriate workplace behavior for over a decade, including making crude and sexually explicit remarks about colleagues.
Jill Biden (Credits: Newsweek)
Multiple individuals reported instances where Bernal speculated about the genitalia size of coworkers, using crude theories such as linking thumb size to genital size.
Several sources recounted instances where Bernal made disparaging remarks about the physical appearance and sexuality of colleagues, creating a hostile work environment.
Despite being openly gay himself, Bernal has allegedly made inappropriate comments about the sexuality of others, prying into their personal lives and making unwelcome speculations.
The Post spoke to nearly a dozen current and former colleagues of Bernal, many of whom expressed discomfort and frustration with his behavior.
Some sources emphasized the discrepancy between President Biden’s pledge to fire aides who show disrespect in their conduct and his decision to retain Bernal despite numerous complaints.
First Lady Jill Biden (Credits: ABC News)
Bernal’s aggressive treatment of colleagues has been previously reported, but prior accounts did not include allegations of sexual harassment. Despite complaints about his behavior, Bernal is said to be shielded from consequences due to his close relationship with the first lady.
Staff members have reportedly been discouraged from speaking against him, and Bernal is perceived as “protected” within the White House.
The allegations against Bernal highlight concerns about workplace culture and accountability within the Biden administration. Despite rhetoric emphasizing integrity and decency, some employees feel that Bernal’s behavior undermines these principles and reflects poorly on the president and first lady.
However, fear of retaliation and Bernal’s perceived influence have made it difficult for individuals to come forward publicly with their experiences.
