Listen: Andrew Lloyd Webber-Backed ArtsEd Begins Barrister-Led Bullying Inquiry After Principal Is Caught Attacking “Snake” Students In Leaked Audio
EXCLUSIVE: The principal at Andrew Lloyd Webber-supported drama school ArtsEd branded students “snakes” and appeared to threaten them with legal action after being accused of favoritism, according to a leaked recording.
Julie Spencer has been at the eye of a bullying storm after a Deadline investigation revealed concerns over student and staff safety at the prestigious London drama school, which counts Lloyd Webber as president and donor.
ArtsEd said it was “surprised and disappointed” by the audio obtained by Deadline (listen to an edited version below) and on Monday formally launched an independent inquiry into the misconduct allegations.
Spencer has not commented. She is on medical leave and will not return to work while the investigation is ongoing. The leaked recording reveals how Spencer scolded a group of students for more than 30 minutes during a class meeting in March 2021.
