The Free Speech Union, a campaign group advocating for free expression, has been rocked by internal allegations of racism and workplace discrimination involving senior staff members.
Sigrun Olafsdottir, the chief operating officer, departed the organization late last week following employee complaints that she told a junior staff member she would "never hire a black person" during a one-on-one meeting in late 2025, according to The Guardian's investigation.
A second senior figure at the organization faces separate allegations of making sexually inappropriate remarks, including comments about actress Sydney Sweeney's physical appearance, the outlet reports.
The departures mark an internal crisis for the FSU at a moment when the organization has positioned itself as a defender of free speech principles. The allegations suggest workplace conduct that contradicts values typically associated with organizational leadership in the civil-liberties space.
The Guardian obtained details of internal grievances filed by multiple employees. The specific timing and identities of other staff members involved remain unclear from the available information. No statement from Olafsdottir or the organization regarding the allegations has been included in the reporting so far.
The revelations raise questions about oversight and accountability within the Free Speech Union's management structure and whether existing workplace policies were followed in addressing the complaints.