Free Speech Union Faces Allegations of Racism and Misconduct

The Free Speech Union is facing internal turmoil following allegations of racism, workplace discrimination, and sexually inappropriate conduct by senior staff. Chief Operating Officer Sigrun Olafsdottir departed the organization last week after employees alleged she told a junior staff member she would "never hire a black person."

Legislative Affairs Director Sam Armstrong is also accused of making staff uncomfortable during a video meeting by discussing actor Sydney Sweeney's "assets" at length. Founder Toby Young defended the conversation regarding Sweeney as relating to a member's case and stated there was "nothing untoward or unprofessional about the conversation," while declining to comment on other internal employment matters.

These allegations follow a year of instability in which eight staff members departed. The organization has also faced scrutiny over a withdrawn $5 million grant from the United States Department of State and questions regarding the handling of £60,000 in crowdfunding for a legal case that appeared to be fought pro-bono.