Music mogul L.A. Reid is making headlines for the wrong reasons. An unnamed woman has accused the former Epic Records head of sexual harassment.
According to reports, a Sony Music label employee complained about multiple incidents involving Reid during his Epic run.
The 60-year old music industry veteran allegedly made inappropriate physical advances toward an assistant at last December’s company holiday party, among other instances, according to a March 22 letter a lawyer for the woman sent to Julie Swidler, Sony Music’s General Counsel, said a source who provided details from the letter. The female assistant, whose name The Post is withholding, also claims Reid, who has led Epic for nearly six years, also asked her to lie down in bed with him and give him a hug while the two were at a hotel while traveling on business, the letter alleges. (New York Post)
A few days ago, buzz developed about Reid’s untimely Epic Records exit.
Antonio Marquis “L.A.” Reid is leaving his post as chairman of Epic Records, Variety has learned. The veteran executive joined the Sony Music label in July 2011. During his six-year run, Reid signed such hit acts as Meghan Trainor, Future, Travis Scott, Fifth Harmony, and DJ Khaled, the latter of whom currently has the No. 1 song in the U.S. with “I’m the One.” He also brought Mariah Carey back into the Sony fold, after having signed the singer at his previous position as chief executive of Island Def Jam. It is unclear what Reid’s next move will be, though he is an executive producer on the scripted drama “Cotton Club.” (Variety)
Last month, rap veteran Rick Ross shared a clip of L.A. praising his Rather You Than Me album.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSoqtVFDkr-/?taken-by=richforever
Back in January, rap newcomer 21 Savage credited Reid for inspiring him to join Epic.
“Yeah, I’m finna ink something up real soon. What you heard? [Epic Records?] Yeah, yeah, shout-out L.A. [Reid]. [I signed] ’cause he black. He black. He’s probably the last black CEO. How not? Why not? I know he’ll understand me before anyone else understands me. I ain’t just wanna sign on some straight business sh*t. I wanted to sign to someone who believes in me and understands me. They was adamant. Like, ‘We want you over here.’ Sh*t, we started f*cking with him. … He’s a legend.” (Rap Radar Podcast)
He believed in Bobby Schmurda too.