I'm inclined to agree - this could be a plot 'sleeper' to be used at a later date.
I think such behavioud would be unacceptable in the work place. I was bending over a desk a few years ago, and a female colleague smacked me, and laughed. I was shocked, and did think what would the result have been if the position was reversed.
I do think people genuinely can do these things without thinking, in the same way you can open your mouth without thinking, but it pays to be careful in these increasingly litigious times.