Justin Fox Burks
Jackie Nichols
Playhouse on the Square won’t release the findings of an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by former executive director Jackie Nichols according to David Brown, a board member and consultant handling news media contacts on behalf of the organization.
The now-concluded investigation had been triggered by one woman’s December Facebook post accusing Nichols of sexually abusing her 40 years ago. Although they did not go public on social media, and none have been previously acknowledged by Playhouse on the Square or its representatives, several more women came forward to tell their stories to the investigator.
When asked if the report or a summary of findings would be released, Brown responded: “There will be no release of findings. Playhouse never said it would publicly release a report. I can tell you that the last alleged event was from the 1980s, nothing in the past 34 years, and (Nichols) denies all of the allegations that came up during the investigation.”
In response to a request to interview Nichols, Brown said the Flyer would need to contact Nichols directly or by way of his attorney, Louis P. Britt III.
“In fact, I think that would be the only way for you to report with balance. Jackie is not with Playhouse any longer as he has retired,” Brown wrote in an email.
