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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The co-founder of Salt Lake City's annual comic convention is taking a leave of absence after a backlash for his handling of a sexual harassment complaint.
The FanX convention said in a blog post Thursday that Bryan Brandenburg's leave is indefinite but may not be permanent.
Brandenburg and co-founder Dan Farr were criticized for appearing to dismiss concerns about unwanted touches, hugs and kisses on the cheek from Utah author Richard Paul Evans at last year's event. At least seven participants scheduled for 2018 said they were withdrawing because of the organization's handling of the matter.
Brandenburg apologized this week for seeming insensitive. The event said staffers would undergo sexual harassment training and create a new committee to oversee event safety.
Farr apologized Thursday.
Evans did not respond to a request for comment.
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