All articles tagged with #uta
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Financial Times
A prominent Hollywood power broker has parted ways with talent agency UTA over a dispute regarding a $950,000 expenses fund. The broker, who represents several high-profile clients, had been with UTA for over a decade before the split. This development underscores the ongoing tensions and power struggles within the entertainment industry.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Variety
Michael Kassan, the founder of MediaLink, has alleged in an arbitration filing that UTA undermined his business after acquiring it for $125 million, leading to his resignation. UTA, in turn, claims to have fired Kassan due to misappropriation of company funds and is preparing to take legal action against him. The dispute has put the future of MediaLink, a consultancy serving the technology, media, entertainment, and advertising sectors, in question. Kassan, known for his extensive industry connections, has a history of legal and professional challenges but has remained a prominent figure in the advertising business.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Deadline
MediaLink founder Michael Kassan and UTA are embroiled in a legal battle involving allegations of fraud, breach of contract, and financial impropriety. Kassan filed a $25 million arbitration demand against UTA, accusing CEO Jeremy Zimmer of breach of contract and broken promises, while UTA countersued, alleging Kassan's misuse of corporate funds and resources. The dispute stems from Kassan's resignation from MediaLink and subsequent fallout with UTA following its acquisition of MediaLink. Both parties are pointing fingers and engaging in a heated legal showdown.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Variety
MediaLink founder and UTA partner Michael Kassan has accused UTA of breach of contract and fraud following its 2021 acquisition of MediaLink, claiming that UTA executives engaged in bad faith in managing the company. Kassan alleges that UTA failed to deliver on key promises of the acquisition, including centralizing UTA's marketing department under MediaLink and pressuring Kassan to raise fees for outside customers while offering discounts to UTA clients. UTA, in response, stated that Kassan was terminated for cause following an investigation into misappropriation of company funds. Kassan is seeking damages worth at least $25 million and compensation for attorneys' fees.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Daily Mail
Susan Sarandon's son, Miles Robbins, has asked fans to stop using a video of his mother in which she appears with her "honkers out," following her recent departure from Hollywood agency UTA due to her controversial remarks about the Israel-Hamas war. The video in question shows Susan in a sheer bra and white robe while getting her hair and makeup done. Miles' plea on Twitter received cheeky responses from fans. Sarandon's exit from UTA came after comments she made about Israel at a pro-Palestinian rally, including chanting a slogan some consider antisemitic. Melissa Barrera, another Hollywood star, was also dropped by her agent for making similar comments.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Hindustan Times
Hollywood agency United Talent Agency (UTA) has severed ties with actress Susan Sarandon after she made anti-Semitic remarks, expressing her support for protesters conversing with Jewish Americans at a pro-Palestinian event. Sarandon's comments, including comparing the experience of American Jews to that of Muslims in the country, have drawn criticism and led to her termination by UTA. The Academy Award-winning actress has been with the agency since 2014 but has now been dropped.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian
Hollywood talent agency UTA has dropped Susan Sarandon as a client after she spoke at a pro-Palestine rally and made remarks that drew criticism. Sarandon encouraged others to speak up in support of Palestinians and thanked the Jewish community for their support. This comes after Maha Dakhil, co-head of film at CAA, faced backlash and resigned from the agency's board for reposting an image critical of genocide. Sarandon is the latest public figure to face consequences for their stance on the Israel-Hamas war.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Deadline
Actress Susan Sarandon has been dropped by talent agency UTA following her controversial pro-Palestinian remarks at a rally in New York City. Sarandon's comments, including comparing the experiences of Jews and Muslims, and reposting an anti-Israel post, led to her termination. This comes as talent agencies are making tough decisions regarding public statements on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo Entertainment
United Talent Agency (UTA) CEO Jeremy Zimmer criticized Meghan Markle's talent, but an insider revealed that UTA was actually in pursuit of signing her as a client before losing her to William Morris Endeavor (WME). With her post-royal rebranding underway, Meghan stands to make a huge amount of money if WME aligns her with the right projects to further her career. Zimmer looks silly for not knowing his own agents were scrambling to get her on the UTA client list.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Variety
Country star Jimmie Allen has been suspended by his agency, UTA, and management, The Familie, following a sexual assault and battery lawsuit lodged against him by his former day-to-day manager. Allen has been accused of rape, sexual assault and harassment, which he denies. The lawsuit alleges that Allen manipulated his power and influence over his manager to recruit and entice her to private locations, where he would perform sex acts. Allen has been dropped from CMA Fest and as the commencement speaker for Delaware State University’s 2023 graduation.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
United Talent Agency (UTA) has opened an artist's gallery in Atlanta, signaling the city's growing art scene. The gallery will show work by local, regional, national, and international artists, but it remains to be seen how much of the work will be local. UTA's arrival has been met with optimism, but some concerns have been raised that the agency may not promote Atlanta and Georgia artists. UTA's gallery is seen as a potential partner for making art in the city more accessible.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Hollywood Reporter
TikTok creator Alix Earle, known for her "get ready with me" videos and rapid rise in popularity, has signed with UTA for representation in all areas. Her ability to sell out products based on her recommendations has led to the "Alix Earle effect" and sparked a conversation about the difficulties creators of color face in finding comparable success on TikTok. UTA will work with Earle to expand her business into TV, audio, and more.