The writing was on the wall and rumors swirled all throughout the day but Charles Brownstein is officially out as the Executive Director at the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund “effective immediately.”

The calls for Brownstein’s removal were raised again last week after the numerous revelations of abusers and harassers in the comic industry. Brownstein’s issues stem back to 2006 and that event along with other criticisms of the organization, some justified and some not, continued through the weekend until today’s event and change in leadership. Brownstein began with the organization in 2002.

Creators in the comic industry began to speak up how they would no longer support, or weren’t supporting, the CBLDF over Brownstein’s employment.

Read the CBLDF’s statement below:

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has accepted the resignation of Charles Brownstein as Executive Director, effective immediately. 

Our organization exists to serve the comics community and the First Amendment, and we can’t do that without an open and honest discourse. We believe our organization’s management and staff should be representative of and responsive to the community they serve. As we move forward, it will be with a renewed focus on accountability and transparency. And as we plan for the future with new leadership in place, we will work with our staff and human resources experts to continue developing policies that will make us a stronger organization. 

We hear and understand the concerns of our community and recognize that this is only a first step in building greater trust and understanding regarding our mission and how it is carried out.

Last week was a very revelatory week when it came to harassment in the comic industry. Three individuals were named over the week. Further discussion of harassment within the industry was raised including the 2006 allegations against current Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Charles Brownstein.

Numerous creators took to Twitter to say they were pulling support or denounced the organization for the lack of action concerning Brownstein. In full disclosure, we have been members and supporters of the organization but are also adding our voice of no longer doing so until change comes.

Things kicked off when writer Jennifer de Guzman shared the 2006 article from Comics Journal that details the assault that occurred between Brownstein and creator Taki Soma.

YES. LET’S TALK ABOUT CHARLES BROWNSTEIN https://t.co/sYRY7xE8NI

— Jennifer de Guzman Strikes Again (@Jennifer_deG) June 19, 2020

Numerous creators then took took to Twitter retweeting the piece and saying they were pulling support and others saying they had already done so.

The CBLDF relies on support and signatures from creators. For the last few years I have responded to those requests by saying I cannot support the fund as long as Charles Brownstein is in charge. I suggest other creators do the same until he is removed. https://t.co/POky4Mer11

— James Tynion IV (@JamesTheFourth) June 19, 2020

With every fiber of my being and as loud as I can scream it, I wholeheartedly stand with @takisoma and the other victims of the abuse that came from CBLDFs Charles brownstein and those that protected him all. these. years. https://t.co/t2SY8oS7eu

— BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (@BRIANMBENDIS) June 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/kamigarcia/status/1275140353256022023

I stopped supporting CBLDF after they inexplicably directed their resources to defending Milo Yiannopoulos. It was not long after that that I learned about Charles Brownstein assaulting women. I would encourage all creators to stop supporting the CBLDF. https://t.co/lhb5tdhOko

— Mr. I'm Not Leaving the House (@MrTylerCrook) June 20, 2020

Yo, @CBLDF how are you still employing Charles Brownstein after multiple documented cases of harassment and abuse, notably against @takisoma and @mikescigliano ? What century do you think we are living in? You will never, ever receive support from me again at shows or otherwise.

— Paul Jenkins (@mypauljenkins) June 22, 2020

Soma spoke up as well stating there were other victims.

Yes. There were other victims. I know them. They have my support.
I can't thank Brian enough for this. Thank you. https://t.co/Bk8ncV5H1W

— Taki Soma (@takisoma) June 21, 2020

Mike Scigliano, who served as CBLDF deputy director, came forward, Tweeting that he’d been harassed by Brownstein. Scigliano’s Tweet would indicate not only an issue with Brownstein but the entire board of the organization.

He harassed me 10+ years ago when I was deputy dir. Of the CBLDF over my severe illness & subsequent Crohn's Disease diagnosis to the point that my doctor advised me to quit. I resigned w/ a detailed letter to the board. No response from any of them. 1/

— Mike Scigliano (@mikescigliano) June 21, 2020

In 2006, in response to the event the CBLDF hired an outside firm which then made recommendations for Brownstein remain in his position. We’re told that he did indeed meet all of those requirements according to sources.

The CBLDF is an organization focused on free speech issues and has had some recent controversies including their support of graphic novel publisher/distributor Simon & Schuster after threats of boycott related to bigot Milo Yiannopoulos. There’s been a lot of chatter of an antiquated organization not up for modern times.

The organization is made up of a board of industry professionals and supported by donations and corporate sponsors and retail members.