I (24F) blacked out and slept with a C-suite executive (51M) at work and I have no idea how to proceed. I’ve never done anything like this

A night of work drinks spirals into a fog of regret for a young woman who wakes up with no memory of sleeping with a C-suite executive twice her age. At 24, she’s the youngest in a boozy, male-dominated workplace, now wrestling with shame and a million questions about a night she can’t recall. His call to keep it secret—for his wife’s sake—only deepens her confusion about what happened and how to face him again.

This Reddit tale dives into a murky mix of consent, power dynamics, and workplace pressure. Was she wrong to seek answers, or is the real issue the executive’s role in this mess? Let’s unravel this story of lost memories and tough choices.

‘I (24F) blacked out and slept with a C-suite executive (51M) at work and I have no idea how to proceed. I’ve never done anything like this’

Waking up with no memory of a sexual encounter with a much older, more powerful colleague is a red flag waving in a storm. The woman’s blackout, coupled with the executive’s insistence on secrecy, points to a troubling power imbalance, if not outright assault. Her hesitation to report stems from shame and fear of professional fallout, but his awareness of her intoxication raises serious ethical and legal questions about consent. In many jurisdictions, inability to consent due to intoxication constitutes assault.

A 2021 study in Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that 1 in 4 workplace sexual assaults involve alcohol, often exploited by higher-ranking individuals leveraging authority. This aligns with the executive’s behavior, especially his preemptive warning against texting, which suggests manipulation to control the narrative.

Dr. Thema Bryant, a trauma expert, notes, “Survivors of ambiguous encounters often grapple with self-blame, but clarity comes from prioritizing safety and truth.” Bryant’s insight urges the woman to seek medical tests (for drugs, STDs, pregnancy) and document details, as Reddit advised. A therapist specializing in trauma can help process her emotions without judgment.

She should avoid private contact with him to protect herself legally and emotionally, focusing on professional boundaries. Consulting a lawyer discreetly could clarify her options without immediate HR involvement.

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

Reddit didn’t hold back, offering a mix of outrage, empathy, and urgent advice. Was this a consensual mistake or a predatory act? Here’s what the community threw into the mix:

These Reddit reactions are raw, but do they guide her toward clarity or deepen the fog?

This woman’s blackout nightmare underscores the dangers lurking in workplace drinking cultures and power imbalances. Her quest for answers—stifled by shame and the executive’s secrecy—demands courage to prioritize her safety and truth. Whether assault or a drunken misstep, the path forward lies in medical checks, documentation, and professional distance. Have you faced a workplace situation that left you questioning your choices? What would you do in her shoes? Drop your insights in the comments and let’s keep this critical conversation alive!