Anyone who follows BSR knows that I’m the resident Archie guy, so when TMZ reported that the venerable company had filed suit against its own Co-CEO, I had to weigh in with my own thoughts. First, in case you haven’t heard yet, the actual news.
Archie Comics Publications has filed papers citing bullying and sexual harassment against Nancy Silberkleit, Co-CEO of the company since 2008 after the death of her husband, Michael. Allegedly, Ms. Silberkleit has a history of abusive behavior, including an incident in 2009 where she barged into a meeting and “pointed to each [attendee] and said, ‘PENIS, PENIS, PENIS, PENIS’ and then walked out.”
Archie has apparently hired an outside firm to investigate the claims and the company recommended Archie cut ties with Nancy as soon as possible. Archie Comics is hoping for a judge to grant an injunction which will keep Nancy away from the Archie offices as well as San Diego Comic-Con.
It’s that last bit that pains me a bit. Don’t get me wrong, sexual harassment in any form is wrong, and should be dealt with accordingly. If the allegations against Nancy Silberkleit are true, it is within Archie’s best interest to sever ties with the woman. I can’t help but be a bit sad about it though, because it’ll essentially end decades of what has essentially been a multi-family owned business. When Archie Comics first started, it was called MLJ Comics, in honor of Maurice Coyne, Louis Silberkleit and John L. Goldwater, the founders.
While companies like Marvel and DC have changed ownership many times over the years, Coyne was CFO of Archie until he retired in the 70’s while Silberkliet and Goldwater’s heirs own the company today. If Archie has to oust Silberkliet, Archie will still be owned by Jon Goldwater, current Co-CEO, but it’ll truly be the end of an era.
TMZ was unable to contact Silberkleit, but if we get new details, we’ll be sure to share them with you.