WME’s Brandt Joel met by Zoom with agents in the motion picture and talent departments to apologize for and clarify the comment that he posted and then removed from an unofficial WME WhatsApp chat (formed as a Jewish affinity group), a source with knowledge of the situation tells The Hollywood Reporter.
As other participants in chat reacted with horror to the murder of six hostages last weekend, Joel posted and then deleted a comment: “Screw the left kill all.”
Joel told the group he wanted to address what had happened, expressed remorse for what he had done, said he deeply regretted it and holds himself responsible. He said he did this in an emotional and irrational moment when he was heartbroken at the news about the hostages, and had made the comment in reference to the terrorists. When he realized he had crossed a line, he took it down.
Joel noted his text was directed at Hamas, the terrorist organization. Though his brief message lacked clarity, Joel noted his text was directed at Hamas, the terrorist organization.
Joel apologized for a lack of judgment, said he had created a big distraction and put a target on the group. He added that he loves the company and his colleagues, according to the source, and said he’s going to seek out different viewpoints and get counseling to address his impulsive behavior.
In the aftermath of the text’s fallout, Mahershala Ali has been reassigned and may be leaving the agency.
More to come.
