DJ Khaled Praises Former Epic Records CEO, L.A. Reid, Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
DJ Khaled has decided to stand by former Epic Records chairman and CEO, L.A. Reid, after the mogul’s shocking departure from the label. During an interview at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Khaled praised Reid despite looming sexual harassment allegations, according to UPROXX.
“L.A. Reid, he a legend… I’m sure he got some amazing things about to happen. You know nothing but love for L.A. Reid.”
Khaled proceeded to call Reid “a good friend” and compared Reid to Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records.
“He’s the Berry Gordy of our time… L.A. Reid is amazing. That’s my thoughts. He’s an amazing person and he’s a great executive, a great music mogul and he’s a great friend.”
Khaled seemed to dismiss the major controversy surrounding Reid and instead focused on Reid’s impact on the music industry. Khaled expressed loyalty to his former boss though Reid is no longer the chairman and CEO at Epic.
“I mean, at the end of the day it’s you know, L.A. expects me to be great, you know what I’m saying?… And I’m going to continue being great and he going to be proud of me. And that is that.”
After Reid’s departure, there are a few who think Sony will close down Epic. According to Reid, the music business is driven by a diverse set of labels with different types of artists.
“There’s a better shot at success with more labels.”
Three days after Variety reported that L.A. Reid was leaving Sony Music, the reason for his abrupt departure had surfaced. According to the New York Post, Reid has been accused of sexual harassment by a “co-worker” at Epic Records.
In a letter submitted to Sony Music, the accuser detailed various instances during which inappropriate behavior from Reid was allegedly exhibited. The accuser is represented by an attorney in the soon-to-be legal battle against the 60-year-old music veteran. Variety has confirmed that the letter does, in fact, exist and has further learned that there have been multiple claims against Reid.
L.A. Reid’s departure from Epic Records is still hitting many in the music industry hard after Sony Music made an official announcement regarding his exit, issuing a short statement, “L.A. Reid will be leaving the company.”
Epic received a mixed reaction from those on social media. Former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello, who struck out on her own and is just about to debut a single with the label wrote, “grateful for you and everything you did for me.”
grateful for you and everything you did for me ?@LA_Reid pic.twitter.com/uKRqsN6l1p
— camila (@Camila_Cabello) May 12, 2017
Reid’s departure raised questions about what happens to the artists left behind. One of Reid’s biggest musicians is Mariah Carey, who according to Page Six, just signed a new deal with Epic last month.
Epic received a mixed reaction from those on social media. Former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello, who struck out on her own and is just about to debut a single with the label wrote, “grateful for you and everything you did for me.”
#DJKhaled Wants To Replace LA Reid @ #EpicRecords. #lareid #epic
https://t.co/zKxwm3k4g9 pic.twitter.com/ABQWLWVman— theJasmineBRAND (@thejasminebrand) May 25, 2017
LA Reid leaves behind a legacy at Epic of securing top artists. The label currently has a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 in DJ Khaled’s “I’m the One,” which features Justin Bieber. The music unit has definitely pumped out major hits. The corporation has had difficulties in other areas such as its movie division.
Reid has previously departed Universal’s Island Def Jam Music Group to join Epic. L.A Reid has been head of Los Angeles-based Epic for nearly six years.
[Featured Image by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images]
