Bengaluru Viral News: A UX design intern at a Bengaluru-based startup has accused the company’s CEO of harassment and public humiliation. In a Reddit post that has now gone viral, the intern shared how her internship turned into a traumatic experience due to constant sexist remarks and unprofessional behaviour from the CEO.

She joined the startup during the final year of her Master’s degree, excited to be the only designer working directly with the CEO. But within days, she was publicly mocked. The CEO once asked in front of the team if she came “to work or enjoy with your boyfriend” and claimed she didn’t do any real work.

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Despite the humiliation, she requested another chance and was offered a full-time role. However, the situation only worsened. When she asked for work-from-home days to finish her college project, the CEO refused and later shouted at her in front of the entire office, blaming her for the company’s failures.

I stayed in a toxic startup for 1.5 years because I thought I wasn’t capable of better. I was wrong.
byu/akclone inIndianWorkplace

She alleged that the CEO would often target women and humiliate them publicly. In one instance, when she distanced herself from the team to avoid their sexist jokes, the CEO asked her, “Porn dekh rahi ho kya?” (Are you watching porn?).

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Later, when she inquired about appraisals, she was told her design role was no longer required. The CEO said she could stay only if she brought in business, adding that she was “not built to grow.”

She eventually resigned, stating the experience shattered her confidence. However, she said leaving the toxic environment finally gave her peace. Her post received strong support online, with many users slamming the CEO’s behaviour and encouraging her to name the company.