All articles tagged with #uta
UTA is navigating a turbulent summer marked by high-profile client exits (Nikki Glaser to WME, Alex Cooper likely to CAA) and renewed merger chatter, including a possible tie‑up with The Team; while rivals say the losses sting, they aren’t fatal, and UTA is leaning on its strength in developing new filmmakers and a growing digital creators division as industry consolidation persists and the awards-season scramble looms.
Alex Cooper exits United Talent Agency amid Unwell’s aggressive expansion and a $500 million valuation after WTSL’s investment; she’s reportedly considering a move to CAA as Unwell broadens into creative services, live events and advertiser content strategy. The exit follows Vanity Fair’s toxic-workplace allegations (Cooper has disputed them in interviews), casting a spotlight on the company’s rapid growth.
Alex Cooper is departing talent agency UTA as she pursues aggressive expansion of her Unwell media company, backed by a WTSL investment that valued Unwell at about $500 million and funds growth across podcasts, live events and a film/TV production arm. The moves come amid reports of staff turnover and unrest linked to Cooper’s husband and co-founder Matt Kaplan, and despite Unwell Beverage Co reportedly shutting down later this year. Cooper’s team is reportedly exploring other agency options, though nothing has been signed, and UTA declined to comment on the departure.
Podcaster Alex Cooper leaves UTA to join CAA, a move insiders say is driven by a large capital infusion into her Unwell brand from Whitesell’s investment firm WTSL, enabling rapid growth across podcasts, TV, live events, and a new creative agency. The deal signals a strategic shift in representation to match Unwell’s multi-vertical expansion, even as the beverage line reportedly faces challenges and has drawn negative press surrounding Cooper’s team.
Deadline confirms Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper is in serious talks to move from UTA to CAA, with no deal finalized; UTA and CAA declined to comment, and Bloomberg was first to report the shift.
Alex Cooper left UTA amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding her Unwell venture and its high-profile partnerships, as she shifts focus to broader media operations. Unwell is expanding into TV, film, and live events with backing from Patrick Whitesell’s investment firm WTSL, while past exposés about workplace culture and industry tensions continue to color the narrative.
UTA hosted its fourth annual Pre-Met Gala party at Nubeluz in The Ritz-Carlton New York, partnering with Tanqueray. The event drew a star-studded crowd including Daisy Edgar-Jones, Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Janelle Monáe and Karlie Kloss, with bites from José Andrés Group, a Tanqueray olive-brine fountain, DJ Austin Millz, and luxe gift bags as fashion’s biggest night approached.
Actress Susan Sarandon says she was barred from major U.S. roles after publicly calling for a Gaza ceasefire, claiming her agency fired her and she had to seek work in Europe; she also contrasted Spain’s intellectual freedom with U.S. repression as she prepared for a Goya Award.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.