Maybe it's a culture difference, but that manager is way too manipulative and gossipy for me. Like, I'm not above office gossip myself but I think it's different to be a manager and gossiping about your direct reports to each other. Absolutely not. And I don't think the plan of bluffing to accuse someone of harrassment sets a good precedent at all. It'd be one thing if he followed through and then they had a 1:1 discussion and came to an understanding as part of the mediation process. But to intentionally make use of it as a threat feels bad to me.
Maybe it's a culture difference, but that manager is way too manipulative and gossipy for me. Like, I'm not above office gossip myself but I think it's different to be a manager and gossiping about your direct reports to each other. Absolutely not. And I don't think the plan of bluffing to accuse someone of harrassment sets a good precedent at all. It'd be one thing if he followed through and then they had a 1:1 discussion and came to an understanding as part of the mediation process. But to intentionally make use of it as a threat feels bad to me.