The Boston Globe’s human resources office concluded this spring that Spotlight editor Brendan McCarthy did not violate workplace rules after an internal inquiry into complaints that he berated reporters and producers, according to reporting based on interviews with current and former staffers.
At least two Globe journalists filed written complaints with HR chief Rohini Murthy earlier this year accusing McCarthy of verbal harassment tied to editorial disputes, Semafor reported, citing eight current and former employees. The allegations included claims that McCarthy cursed at members of the investigative unit and reduced roles for colleagues who challenged his management. McCarthy acknowledged being blunt during the investigation but denied crossing workplace lines, the report said.
By late spring, the Globe determined no further action was warranted and imposed no discipline, a Globe spokesperson told Semafor. The Globe declined to discuss the specifics of the probe, reiterating a standard policy against commenting on individual personnel matters, but said it had investigated and reached its conclusion.
A Globe spokesperson said in a statement to Semafor that the Spotlight team “undertakes important and impactful work” and highlighted McCarthy’s leadership and track record. Editor Nancy Barnes told Semafor she was “incredibly proud of the important and difficult work that Spotlight is tackling under Brendan’s leadership” and added, “I am fortunate to have him on my team.”
Semafor said it spoke with more than a dozen current and former Globe journalists. Some described McCarthy as a demanding editor who focused on results; others said his conduct crossed lines with staff. In the formal inquiry, McCarthy told colleagues he was frustrated that reporters and producers were not receptive to feedback on key details of sensitive projects, according to the report.
McCarthy leads the Globe’s Spotlight unit, which was dramatized in the Oscar-winning 2015 film Spotlight and won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting for “Blind Spot,” an investigation into failures to keep dangerous drivers off the road. This year the unit published “Snitch City,” a multipart series and companion podcast on alleged police misuse of confidential informants across Massachusetts; the project prompted pushback from New Bedford officials and led to leadership changes in that city’s police department, the Globe’s reporting noted.
The dispute over McCarthy’s conduct comes as the Globe has leaned on the Spotlight brand for high-impact investigations under owner and publisher John Henry. Current and former staffers told Semafor that the unit’s prominence placed added pressure on team dynamics and management expectations.
The Globe’s statement to Semafor emphasized the newsroom’s commitment to producing trusted reporting and recognized the dedication and leadership of the Spotlight editor. The newspaper said its policy is to not discuss individual incidents but confirmed it had investigated the allegations and determined no further action was necessary.
No additional disciplinary measures have been announced publicly. McCarthy remains listed on the Globe’s staff page as Spotlight editor, overseeing the investigative team responsible for recent award-winning work and ongoing projects.