L.A. Reid Leaving Epic Records And Being Sued For Sexual Harassment – Tha Wire

Today in Tha Wire music mogul L.A. Reid unexpectedly announced last week, he was leaving Epic Records.  Ironically Reid isn't the only longtime exec in Urban entertainment to make such an announcement this year.  BET's extremely successful Head of Original Programming, Stephen Hill, sent shockwaves across the world of music announcing he was stepping down a couple of months ago.  Hill was at the peak of his 18-year career with the network, and credited with launching some of BET's biggest shows.  The famous TV program exec was behind everything from The BET Awards, to The BET Hip Hop Awards, The Prince Tribute, down to the amazingly successful New Edition Story.

Why would these two industry giants throw in the towel at the height of their careers? I'll address Hill in a few.  One things for sure Antonio L.A. Reid, is an absolute legend in the world of music.  The three-time Grammy winner was a drummer for 80's super-group, The Deele, in his very first gig.  He went on to produce and write songs for some of the biggest artists in the game, Whitney Houston, The Whispers and many others.  Then the 60-year old became the only black CEO to head four labels including LaFace Records, Arista Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, and last but not least Epic.

Reid has been killing the game since his 6 year reign began at at Epic.  Overseeing the careers of Hip Hop's finest, he's enjoyed two back-to-back #1's LP's with Future.  Not to mention topping the charts with the explosive careers of DJ Khaled and Travi$ Scott. So what the hell is this sudden exit all about?  According to Billboard a lawsuit!

Unfortunately the music icon is being accused of the, “unlawful harassment," of his female assistant.  Sources say the woman's claims have prompted an internal investigation into his past conduct, as Chairman and CEO, of the Sony Music Entertainment label.

Billboard goes on to report the woman's legal camp sent a letter to Sony, basically threatening to take them to court, if they didn't agree to a big money settlement.  The claimant’s attorney state in the letter to Sony, that his client endured the alleged sexual harassment on a daily basis.  Alleging that Reid made inappropriate propositions, that cause a great deal of embarrassment for her, was making comments about her appearance and clothes that were way out of line, and more.

Once the allegations from the former employee went public last week, Reid made his exit.  Sony issued a one-liner statement in regard to his stepping down announcing simply, “L.A. Reid will be leaving the company.”  So far the there has been no comment from the industry icon himself, nor his legal team.

Meanwhile it appears Reid and Hill have a lot in common than entertainment.  Turns out Hill is also being sued for sexual harassment and, blatant gender discrimination.  In addition Bad Boy mogul, Sean "Diddy" Combs, was hit with a sexual harassment suit by his chef!  WTH?

The world is going crazy folks!  On any updates I will keep you posted on all of the above.  In the meantime get the scoop daily with Tha Wire and only on The People's Station 107 Jamz.