Hollywood PR Firms MPRM, 42West in Legal Battle Over Staff

A major lawsuit is shaking the Hollywood publicity world. MPRM Communications has filed a legal complaint against competitor 42West.

The suit alleges a coordinated scheme to poach senior staff and clients. This move follows the sudden departure of nearly half of MPRM’s leadership team last week.

Details of the Alleged Poaching Scheme

According to court documents, the conflict stems from a failed leadership transition. Executive Vice Presidents Sylvia Desrochers and Caitlin McGee were in talks to buy MPRM from president Mark Pogachefsky.

Those negotiations collapsed earlier this year. The lawsuit claims the executives then began planning a move to 42West.

MPRM asserts that the departure was hostile and long-planned. The complaint states it was designed to “wreak havoc” on the company by taking key personnel and confidential data.

This included client lists, marketing plans, and sensitive contact information. Six major clients, including Disney and NBC, reportedly left MPRM for 42West.

A Broader Trend in Entertainment Publicity

This case reflects a recurring pattern within the competitive entertainment PR industry. Firms often battle over high-profile clients and talented executives.

Last year, marketing giant R&CPMK filed a similar lawsuit against newcomer 2PM Sharp. It also alleged a mass departure of employees and misappropriation of business.

For MPRM, the immediate impact is significant. The company has ceased its sales exploration process following the client losses.

The long-term effects on both firms’ reputations remain unclear. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for claims including breach of fiduciary duty and misappropriation of trade secrets.

This Hollywood legal battle underscores the high-stakes nature of talent and client representation in the entertainment industry. The outcome could set a new precedent for how firms handle aggressive competitive moves.

Info at your fingertips

What specific clients did MPRM lose to 42West?

The lawsuit mentions that clients including Disney, National Geographic, and NBC terminated their contracts with MPRM. They reportedly followed the departing executives to 42West.

What legal claims is MPRM making against 42West?

MPRM’s complaint includes claims for breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, and fraudulent concealment. The firm is seeking financial damages from its competitor.

Has 42West responded to the allegations?

According to the initial reporting, 42West has declined to comment on the lawsuit. The allegations presented so far come from MPRM’s legal filing.

Is this type of lawsuit common in Hollywood PR?

Similar legal actions have occurred recently. The case mirrors a lawsuit filed by R&CPMK against 2PM Sharp last year, suggesting it is a known industry risk.

What was the trigger for the lawsuit?

The immediate trigger was the mass departure of MPRM’s senior staff and the subsequent loss of several major clients. This followed a collapsed deal for the executives to buy the company.