Eddie Berganza, a top editor for comic book publishing giant DC Comics, has been suspended over multiple charges of sexual misconduct that date back decades.
Berganza, responsible for overseeing such titles as Superman and Wonder Woman, was accused by several women of unwanted sexual advances in a Buzzfeed report last week. The article alleged that Berganza had been engaging in the behavior for years but rose through the comic book publisher’s ranks despite his alleged actions.
After the accusations were published, DC Comics confirmed that Berganza had been suspended pending a review of the charges.
The company sent out a statement reading:
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.
Five women (one anonymously) accused Berganza of sexual harassment, and other sources say that the editor has been accused of such behavior going back several decades.
DC editor Liz Gehrlein Marsham went on record saying that Berganza tried to grope her and frequently kissed her and invaded her space when she was a young editor at the company.
“By the time I left,” Marsham said of her time at DC Comics, “I was really demoralized. I was physically ill from being stressed all the time and trying to hide it. I just felt like I needed to get out, however I could.”
Berganza was the top editor for some of DC’s major comic titles and had daily interaction with writers, artists, and other editors. Due to the company’s team system, working on any of the company’s major titles meant having to work directly with Berganza.
DC had already punished Berganza at least once in the past over his behavior. In 2012 he was reportedly demoted from executive editor to group editor after being accused of trying to forcibly kiss a female during a comic book convention held in Anaheim, California.
After the Buzzfeed piece was published, some began calling for Berganza to be fired. One of those calling for action was Robert Garcia, the mayor of Long Beach, California, who said via Twitter, “I love DC Comics, always have. But as a fan and supporter, I expect them and Warner Bros to do the right thing and fire Eddie Berganza.”
By Monday morning, some comic book sites were reporting that DC Comics has fired Beganza.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston.