All eyes are on the thriving label Republic Records now that one of its executives has been accused of sexual assault.
Bad news for Charlie Walk below…
Walk, who oversees the careers of Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, denies the allegations thrown at him in the open letter below.
Its author? Tristan Coopersmith.
For a year I shuddered at the idea of being called into your office, where you would stealthily close the door and make lewd comments about my body and share your fantasies of having sex with me. I was 27,” she wrote. “ No previous experience had taught me what to do in such a situation. So I laughed it off, gently reminded you that you were married with children, and tried to change the subject. But you were relentless.”
The advances continued with invitations to dinners, sometimes with his wife at the table.
You did it so that you could put your hand on my thigh under the table, every time inching it closer and closer to my sacred place. You did it so you could lean over and whisper disgusting things into my ear and I had to smile so that no one suspected anything. On multiple occasions your wife was sitting right across from us. … And then there was that event at your swank pad when you actually cornered me and pushed me into your bedroom and onto your bed. The bed you shared with your wife… your wife who was in the room next door. You being drunk and me being 6 inches taller was my saving grace. To you, Charlie Walk what you did was normal. It was a power you perceived to have earned, with a right to exercise it. But to me it was insulting, confusing and objectifying. And it was a secret that I held for a very long time, my experiences only spilling out in flashbacks and nightmares. And my silence paid off. I was able to flourish in the industry, but the more that I did, the more that I saw there were so many Charlie Walks. I walked away from the world of entertainment 8 years ago and never looked back. … The truth is Charlie Walk there will always be scumbags like you. I know this because you’re raising sons who will follow in your own footsteps.”
I don’t wish ill for you, Charlie Walk. Only the possibility of personal awakening, accountability and transformation so that you can use your power for good. I forgive you, Charlie Walk. I hope you can forgive yourself.
Charlie had this to say in response…
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.
Stunned, Republic issued this statement:
While it appears this blog post relates to the period prior to Mr. Walk’s appointment to his position at Republic Records, we take the allegations very seriously and intend to conduct a full and complete review of this matter.
I am tired of these allegations. Oh so tired….. People need to stop waiting 15 years to come forward with these things as they are ruining peoples lives and it is unfair on the accused. We dont know if this actually happen but he could potenially loose his career
Well that’s why Republic are doing an investigation dunce. These men are not forced out of their jobs as you believe. They choose to resign to avoid more dirt being dug up. You don’t resign or pay settlements if you know you are innocent.
Not always…. Some people pay because paying is cheaper than paying for an exstensive legal team winning and not even being able to sue the accuser for legal fees as they are flat broke. The court of public opinon is the worst
EXACTLY!!
He can kiss his job w/”The Four” singing competition goodbye!