Influencer Ocean Ramsey Speaks Out Following Allegations of Physical ‘Abuse’ and ‘Bullying’ by Former Employees

Allegations of mistreatment and unsafe working conditions have emerged against Ocean Ramsey, a well-known influencer and shark conservationist who operates a diving company in Hawaii. Three former employees of One Ocean Diving have taken to social media to air their grievances, claiming they endured bullying, physical abuse, and long hours without pay.

The accusations surfaced over the past week, with the individuals detailing their experiences in lengthy posts on Instagram. They allege several instances of abusive behaviour from Ramsey, who co-founded the company with her husband, Juan Oliphant. In response, Ramsey has categorically denied these claims, stating that they misrepresent the realities of her business.

Jenna Konyok, one of the former employees, claimed she quit a previous job to pursue her professional diving qualifications specifically to work at One Ocean Diving. After relocating from the British Islands to Hawaii in 2019, Konyok detailed a demanding training regimen, which she described as consisting of unpaid, long hours with no substantial breaks. This training culminated in a “30-day challenge” where trainees were expected to work without compensation.

Konyok further alleged that her time on the water with Ramsey was distressing. She recounted moments that she regarded as physically and psychologically challenging, including claims of being pressured during dives. “Some of the worst days of my life,” she wrote, reflecting on how her impression of Ramsey had changed dramatically from that of an idol to a figure of distress.

Similarly, Taylor Cunningham, another former employee who worked at the company from 2017 to 2021, supported Konyok’s allegations. Cunningham, who initially joined as an intern, reported witnessing workplace abuse and described the training process as “abusive.” She shared experiences of being forced to work while ill and alleged physical aggression from Ramsey, raising concerns about the treatment of employees within the organisation.

In a third account, Alexis Araw, a former boat captain, portrayed her time with the company as fraught with mental health challenges. She spoke of experiencing heightened anxiety and trauma, further asserting that Ramsey had instilled fear among staff through her reprimands, which included using comparisons to “breaking horses” to underscore her authority.

Ramsey has responded to these claims in multiple public statements, insisting that she has never engaged in any form of abuse. In her statements to the media, she expressed disbelief that the allegations reflected her company’s treatment of employees, either in the past or present. “I have never verbally or physically abused anyone,” she asserted, stressing that she would only raise her voice for necessary safety reasons while underwater.

Addressing the allegations concerning working hours, Ramsey explained that circumstances vary significantly due to environmental conditions and bookings. While former employees claimed that training was unpaid, she clarified that compensation varied based on individual qualifications and progress.

In an Instagram video, she elaborated on the 30-day challenge, stating that while it is an intense training period, it is deemed non-mandatory and designed to prepare employees for real-world scenarios. She also explained that confidentiality agreements were in place to safeguard the company and its staff rather than to silence dissent.

Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Ramsey has expressed a willingness to engage with anyone who feels they have been negatively impacted by her management style. She extended an invitation for dialogue to those who harbour grievances, seeking to foster understanding and reconciliation. “If anyone has ever felt emotionally hurt by something I said, I would genuinely welcome the opportunity to speak with them,” she said.

In an environment where allegations of workplace abuse are increasingly being scrutinised, these claims against Ramsey raise broader questions about employee welfare in the potentially high-pressure world of diving and tourism. As former employees continue to share their experiences, the spotlight remains on Ramsey and One Ocean Diving and whether they will take any steps to address the issues raised.