Report: L.A. Reid’s Epic exit followed allegations of sexual harassment

Antonio “L.A.” Reid’s abrupt stepping down as CEO of Epic Records came after allegations of “unlawful harassment” by a female assistant, Billboard reported.

Sources told the magazine that Epic’s parent company, Sony Music Entertainment, investigated his conduct as a result of a letter sent to the company by the unnamed staffer’s attorney. 

She alleges that Reid harassed her on a daily basis. Her accusations included inappropriate remarks about her appearance and clothing, and alleged propositions that embarrassed and distressed her, and made it impossible for her to continue working at the record label.

On one occasion at a hotel, the 60-year-old asked her to lay down on a bed with him so they could hug.

The letter threatened legal action if a financial settlement was not reached.

It is not known if Sony’s investigation uncovered the veracity of the staffer’s claims. One of Reid’s camp told Billboard there were “inaccuracies” in the letter.

Over the weekend, Sony released a short terse statement: “L.A. Reid will be leaving the company.”.

All parties have refused to comment, but it is understood that the attorney’s letter exists.

Reid joined Epic in 2011 from the top job at Island Def Jam. He rebuilt the imprint, both as a success story for urban acts (Future, Travis Scott and DJ Khaled who is currently at #1 in the US) and pop (Meghan Trainor, Fifth Harmony) and brought Mariah Carey back to Sony Music.

Through his career Reid also signed and launched the careers of Bobby Brown, Boyz II Men, TLC, Avril Laving, Paula Abdul, Kanye West, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez.