DC Issues Statement On Eddie Berganza Sexual Assault Allegations As Creators Speak Out

An employee of DC Comics has been accused of misconduct after BuzzFeed published a report alleging [...]

By Joe Schmidt

An employee of DC Comics has been accused of misconduct after BuzzFeed published a report alleging editor Eddie Berganza sexually harassed coworkers throughout his tenure at the publisher.

UPDATE: Berganza has been suspended from duties at DC Comics. The publisher released this statement:

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.

Our original report follows.

A DC Entertainment spokesperson issued a response to the report:

DC and WB are unequivocally committed to cultivating a work environment of dignity and respect, one that is safe and harassment free for all employees. We take all claims of harassment very seriously and investigate them promptly. Employees found in violation of the policies are dealt with swiftly and decisively, and subject to disciplinary actions and consequences.

Creators who work or have worked for DC Comics in the past are now starting to speak out against Berganza's alleged actions, including Tony Isabella, Joshua Hale Fialkov, and Christopher Sebela.

The allegations against Berganza have been previously reported by other outlets, though no new incidents have come to light since 2012. BuzzFeed's report states that he declined to comment on the piece, and includes statements from people who accuse him of groping and forcing himself upon them.

The report contains quotes from Liz Gehrlain Marsham, Joan Hilty, and others who wished to remain anonymous, who all allege inappropriate and unwanted behavior from the DC Comics editor. It also contains contributions from former DC editor Janelle Asselin who said she reported multiple incidents to human resources.

None of these people work for DC Comics anymore, while Berganza remains editing prominent books like Dark Nights: Metal by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, and FCO Plascencia.

In the wake of Buzfeed's report, numerous people associated with DC Comics have decided to speak out on the allegations.

Isabella, who is all but retired from the industry at this point, is the creator of DC's Black Lightning. That character is due to be featured in a new show set to premiere on The CW as part of the mid-season launch.

Sebela has created many acclaimed indie comics such as High Crimes and Heartthrob. He is currently writing Blue Beetle and was a part of DC's Talent Development Workshop.

Fialkov previously wrote the critically acclaimed I, Vampire series as part of the New 52 initiative, and was set to take over the Green Lantern Corps title before walking away due to an editorial mandate to kill off John Stewart.

Other comics creators like Sarah Horrocks, Kate Leth, Kwanza Osajyefo, Dean Trippe, Robert Wilson IV, and more have spoken out in response to the report, calling on the publisher to take action.

Berganza has yet to issue a response to the allegations.

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