Charlie Walk Placed On Administrative Leave
• In a story that just broke on Variety, Republic Records Group President Charlie Walk has been placed on leave in the wake of sexual-misconduct allegations against him in a bombshell open letter posted Monday by Life Lab founder Tristan Coopersmith, with whom he worked at Columbia Records several years ago. In a statement sent to RAMP, Republic Records said, “Republic Records is committed to a safe workplace environment where employees are treated fairly and respectfully. We have retained an outside law firm to conduct an independent investigation of this matter and have encouraged anyone who has relevant information to speak to the firm’s investigators. Mr. Walk has been placed on leave, and will remain in leave for the duration of the investigation.”
In Coopersmith’s lengthy letter, which is posted on her website, lifelabhb.com, she details daily meetings with Walk and conversations peppered with lewd and suggestive comments made her feel “sick to my stomach.” She also describes an encounter with Walk during which, Coopersmith alleges, “You cornered me and pushed me into your bedroom and onto your bed. The bed you shared with your wife.”
In a statement provided to Variety after the allegations became public, Walk commented, “It is very upsetting to learn of this untrue allegation made by someone who worked with me 15 years ago, without incident. There has never been a single HR claim against me at any time during my 25+-year career, spanning three major companies. I have consistently been a supporter of the women’s movement and this is the first time I have ever heard of this or any other allegation — and it is false.”
According to a story just posted on Deadline.com, a second woman — a former Universal marketing executive who worked with Walk — has also come forward in recent days, alleging that Walk sent her sexually explicit photos and videos of himself and attempted to lure her into a hotel room. The exchange, she said, followed years of voyeuristic behavior and uncomfortable remarks made in front of colleagues at Republic Records. The woman requested anonymity because she still works in the recording industry and does not want her name associated with Walk’s conduct.
UPDATE: It was just announced that Walk will not appear in next week’s season finale of Fox’s singing competition, The Four: Battle for Stardom. Walk is one of four judge on the show alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs, DJ Khaled and Meghan Trainor. However, Walk is still slated to appear in tomorrow night’s episode, which was pre-taped.
