The incident reportedly came after a group discussion about hair, during which Eng poked fun at his own baldness.
By Abby Patkin
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MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, the state’s top transportation official, has apologized for an “insensitive interaction” he had during a 2024 team dinner where he allegedly pulled another T employee’s hair.
The incident occurred during a dinner with MBTA employees and their spouses, according to WHDH. The group had reportedly discussed hair earlier in the evening, and Eng poked fun at his own baldness, the news outlet reported.
Eng, who has led the T since 2023, also serves as the state’s interim transportation secretary.
“My goal is always to lead with respect and inclusivity. I know that this was a mistake, and I own that,” he told WHDH in a statement. “I have apologized to this employee fully and have reflected on my actions. I am committed to learning from this experience and upholding the highest standards of professionalism in all my interactions as secretary and general manager.”
The MBTA did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday morning. The 2024 incident was first reported by Contrarian Boston.
According to WCVB, the employee whose hair Eng pulled raised concerns with the MBTA’s human resources and legal departments but never filed a formal complaint.
Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transit, crime, health, and everything in between.
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