A co-owner and manager of The Union has left his position following allegations of sexual misconduct.
According to a statement the bar posted to its Facebook page Tuesday, the staff was “saddened and appalled” when it learned about the allegations against Eric Gunn.
“We have come together collectively and decided that his immediate and permanent departure is necessary and in the best interest of all involved parties,” the bar staff wrote in its statement.
In a Monday post on the People’s Justice League’s Facebook page, a woman said he raped her on two occasions more than a decade ago while she was intoxicated. The People’s Justice League is an organization that aims to eliminate harassment and discrimination and promote safety in the Athens area.
Gunn directed questions to Bob Toy, his lawyer, on Tuesday. Toy said Wednesday that Gunn denies the allegations.
“Eric Gunn denies that he committed any wrongdoing,” Toy said in an email. “Mr. Gunn is a private person who believes he has been defamed by another.”
Toy did not respond to a call and an email with additional questions.
The Union staff said in the statement that many of the details are still being worked out, but Andrew Studniarz will be the sole owner of The Union, 18 W. Union St.
Staff at The Union declined to release Studniarz’s contact information, and he did not respond to a request for comment left with a staff member.
“The Union Bar has historically prided itself as a safe space, one that is an accepting and welcoming environment for all clients and staff,” the bar staff wrote in the statement. “We endeavor to continue to create this environment and foster the true mission of The Union Bar, which is a safe, open-minded celebration of music and the arts.”
The staff is “dedicated to a continued dialogue” about the allegations against Gunn, according to the statement.
Gunn ran for Athens City Council but was defeated in the primary by Samuel Crowl in May. He has been vocal about local politics related to business and once appeared at a city council meeting to criticize a proposal to add seating to West Union Street.
There are no open criminal cases involving Gunn, according to the Athens Police Department.
The woman who wrote the Facebook post did not respond to a request for comment.
