L.A. Reid Exits Epic Records Following Sexual Harassment Allegations, Executives Accused of Cover-Up
By Noah Yoo and Evan Minsker.
On Thursday, news broke that music executive L.A. Reid would be departing from his post as CEO of Epic Records. Reid became the head of the Sony Music imprint in 2011. It later came to light that Reid exited the company because of a letter penned to Sony by a former employee and her attorney, as Billboard reports. The letter reportedly claimed that Reid made “inappropriate remarks about her appearance and clothing” and “alleged propositions that caused her embarrassment and distress.” The letter threatened a lawsuit if an outside settlement was not made. On Sunday, Sony Music issued a one-sentence statement on Reid’s departure: “L.A. Reid will be leaving the company.”
In a new report from Billboard, it’s been revealed that the letter also claimed that the employee had reported Reid’s alleged misconduct to Epic executives. The letter allegedly notes that she complained to her direct supervisor multiple times; apparently, the supervisor offered no solutions. When she approached a different high-ranking executive about Reid’s alleged actions, she claims she was told, “Before you say anything more, think about what that means for you. Just think about what it means.” Pitchfork has reached out to Sony Music/Epic Records for comment.
This story originally appeared on Pitchfork.
More from Pitchfork:
Michelle Obama’s 5 Best Music Moments
The 50 Best Rap Mixtapes of the Millennium
30 Artists You Need to Follow on Social Media
Does College Radio Even Matter Anymore?
