EXCLUSIVE: ArtsEd President Brian Brodie resigned for personal reasons. His decision follows criticism of the panel’s handling of bullying allegations at the prestigious London drama school.
Brodie, a director of financial services, resigned after joining the Andrew Lloyd Webber-backed ArtsEd in July 2022. One of his last actions was to launch an independent, attorney-led investigation after Deadline uncovered allegations of misconduct against ArtsEd Director Julie Spencer.
Trustee Farida Mannan announced Brodie’s resignation Friday in an email to parents of ArtsEd students. Mannan was named acting chairman. Spencer is on medical leave and will not return to work while the investigation is ongoing.
“I appreciate that the past few weeks have been very challenging for the organization,” Mannan said. “The allegations made in recent media coverage are serious and do not reflect our values or the organization we aspire to be.”
More than a hundred parents filed a complaint with ArtsEd, raising questions about the board’s handling of the allegations, including a leaked recording in which Spencer calls students “snakes” and threatens them with legal action. Brodie apologized for the lack of communication with parents.
Mannan echoed that sentiment in her email on Friday. “I realize that we have communicated poorly and ineffectively with you over the past few weeks on some of these matters, and this has placed an undue burden on you,” ArtsEd’s acting president said.
Mannan revealed that Ghazaleh Rezaie, the lead attorney appointed to investigate the allegations, is expected to present her findings to the panel in March next year. Multiple sources told Deadline that they plan to provide evidence.
This is ArtsEd’s second independent investigation in as many years, after attorney Rebecca Tuck found in 2021 that the institution showed a “disrespect” for students’ well-being and subjected them to favoritism, bullying and other misconduct.
Mannan said: “I appreciate that concerns have been raised about starting a new inquiry less than three years after the review by Rebecca Tuck KC. “We fully recognize that such a review will take considerable time – and will of resources required. However, we believe that it is fair, reasonable and responsible and shows how seriously we take meeting the highest standards. Comply with standards. “
Lloyd Webber is president of ArtsEd and his foundation has donated millions of pounds to the school. He did not comment on the allegations.
Source: Deadline
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