DC Comics suspended a top editor after sexual harassment allegations

On Friday, BuzzFeed published a report with sexual harassment allegations against former DC Comics Group Editor, Eddie Berganza. On Saturday the publisher announced that Berganza has been suspended, pending a review of the allegations.

In the report, three former company employees alleged that Berganza groped, kissed, or made otherwise inappropriate remarks and advances over a period of years, and that his actions were an open secret throughout the company. Despite complaints brought to DC’s human resources office, Berganza was promoted to Executive Editor in 2010, but was later demoted to Group Editor amidst rumors of sexual harassment complaints and an incident at a convention. Despite that, Bleeding Cool reported that Berganza went through remedial training, and was allowed to oversee the production of several high-profile titles such as Superman and Wonder Woman, to the dismay of other employees.

Contacted by BuzzFeed, DC Comics said that it was “‘committed’ to a harassment-free workplace,” and issued a statement yesterday saying that Berganza has been suspended.

DC Entertainment has immediately suspended Mr. Berganza and has removed him from performing his duties as Group Editor at DC Comics. There will be a prompt and yet careful review into next steps as it relates to the allegations against him, and the concerns our talent, employees and fans have shared. DC continues to be extremely committed to creating a safe and secure working environment for our employees and everyone involved in the creation of our comic books.

The move follows a pair of reports about Harvey Weinstein’s behavior. Those reports unleashed a flood of allegations and complaints about other actors and executives in the entertainment industry, such as House of Cards actor Kevin Spacey, comedian Louis CK, Amazon Studios executive Roy Price, and Star Trek actor George Takei.

While Berganza’s suspension has been applauded by members of the comics industry, others have pointed out that his behavior has been widely known and reported on for years. BuzzFeed’s report notes that while Berganza was reprimanded at DC Comics, he continued to work in a position of authority, while those he harassed have largely left the mainstream publishing world.