Universal Music to investigate Republic Group President Charlie Walk over sexual misconduct allegations

Another major US music executive has had explosive allegations of sexual predatory behaviour levelled at him that could possibly see him lose his high ranking label position and judge role on a reality TV show.

Charlie Walk, president of Republic Records Group, has denied all allegations, calling them “untrue” and “upsetting.”

Republic’s parent company Universal Music Group has confirmed it will conduct a review into the charges.

These were made by a former employee, Tristan Coopersmith on her California wellness studio Life Lab website, headlined #MeToo: An Open Letter to Charlie Walk.

They worked together when Walk was President of Sony Music’s Epic Records between 2005 and 2009.

Coopersmith was its director of millennial research and marketing between July 2004 and August 2005.

In her letter she recounted how “motivated and determined” she had been when Walk offered her the job. “You gave me opportunities beyond my wildest imagination.”

But it soon turned sour for her.

“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,” she wrote.

“I was 27. 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.”

Coopersmith’s allegations include “vulgar” instant messages and dinners where he would grope her under the table, often while his wife was also there.

Another claimed incident was at his home when he drunkenly pushed her into his bedroom and onto the bed while his wife was in another room.

After a year, Coopersmith told Walk’s “counterpart”.

He had told her he was not surprised, and there was nothing she could do. The only solution was “a graceful exit.”

Coopersmith related, “I was paid to keep my mouth shut and my reputation intact.

“I’m ashamed of that piece but it’s a truthful part of my story.

“I took that dirty money and moved to LA.”

She worked in the music industry for another eight years. But “there were so many Charlie Walks” that she left.

Coopersmith became a licensed psychotherapist and set up her company to, as her website says, help women “heal and release past wounds, so that they can be free to identify, explore and share their light.”

She finished off the letter, “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.”

Universal Music Group released a 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.”

Walk joined Republic Records in 2013 and became its president in 2016.

Republic is a powerhouse, with acts as Drake, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, Post Malone, Pearl Jam, Jack Johnson, Jessie J, Lil’ Wayne, Tiersto, Ben Howard, DNCE, Of Monsters and Men, Damien Marley and Bahamas.

It is also the overseas label for ANZ acts Lorde, Gotye, Sheppard and Tigerlily.

According to Deadline, Walk responded, “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.”

Walk is also a judge on The Fox “battle for stardom” show The Four alongside Diddy, DJ Khaled, Meghan Trainor and host Fergie.

Fox responded, “We have only recently learned of these past allegations regarding Mr. Walk.

“We are currently reviewing this matter and are committed to fostering a safe environment on all of our shows.”

Sony Music made no comment.

In another incident, Las Vegas casino legend and billionaire Steve Wynn is accused of sexual harassment and assault in a piece in the Wall Street Journal which spoke to 150 former employees.

They said they hid when they saw him enter his casinos or worked in groups for safety.

One case led to a $7.5 million settlement with a manicurist, the paper reported.

Wynn and his company Wynn Resorts blame it on a campaign by his ex-wife, and say that the company’s sexual harassment hotline had no complaints of their boss.

Wynn is also a power broker and major funding contributor to the Republican Party.

Response from authorities was immediate. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is launching a review. Wynn is currently building a $2.5 billion resort in Boston.