I’ve since learned to not assume a complaint that sounds clear and straightforward is actually always clear and straightforward. After I spoke with the female employee and saw the messages and video, I contacted the manager and we agreed that I’d come out there to speak to the male employee and he’d likely be placed on leave and termination would be a probable outcome. I was definitely surprised to learn that the female employee initiated that interaction and sent an inappropriate video first. When I followed up with her the next day, she didn’t have much to say when I told her I had seen what she sent him around an hour before. And she didn’t want to show me the messages she sent before the messages he sent. This is why managers and HR need to speak with all people involved in investigations, when possible. I know some managers and HR professionals place employees on leave without really speaking with them and this is a great example of why you don’t want to do that. You may not be able to complete a full investigation in that moment, but you can get important information that informs your next step. And remember, sexual harassment is unwelcomed conduct.