Its Founder Said He Relinquished Control of the Nonprofit and Its Collection to the Museum’s Chief Executive
A slew of controversies around founder Huston Huddleston, including a child porn conviction, surrounds Santa Monica’s new Sci-Fi World museum, according to a new report by the Los Angeles Times.
Huddleston, a “Star Trek” superfan, claimed to have salvaged a replica of the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” bridge from a Long Beach warehouse in 2011, launching Kickstarter campaigns that raised nearly $163,000 to restore it and establish the museum. However, Huddleston’s 2018 conviction for possession of child pornography has cast a shadow over the project, as reported by The Times.
Huddleston, 54, says he relinquished control of the nonprofit and its collection to the museum’s chief executive due to the potential negative impact of his conviction. Nevertheless, former volunteers told The Times that Huddleston remains deeply involved in the museum’s operations.
Concerns about leadership intensified following the resignations of Chief Executive John Purdy and General Manager Cory Dacy. Purdy cited Huddleston’s violation of their contractual agreement, while Dacy noted Huddleston’s regular presence onsite, a claim Huddleston disputes.
Further complicating matters, CBS Studios has issued a cease and desist letter to Huddleston and Purdy, alleging unauthorized use of “Star Trek” elements, according to The Times. The museum’s red-carpet gala, initially planned as a grand opening, was relegated to the parking lot due to permitting issues.
