WME Agent Sparks Outrage Over Gaza Comments Amid Hostage Crisis
- Mr. Joel, a WME agent, made controversial remarks about the deaths of six Israeli hostages by Hamas, stating, 'Screw the left kill all.'
- His comments were perceived as directed at clients who supported Hamas, causing distress among colleagues.
- The incident has sparked discussions about the internal climate at WME and raised concerns about Meghan Markle's brand viability.
A top agent at WME, the talent agency representing Meghan Markle, faced backlash after making inflammatory comments regarding the deaths of six Israeli hostages by Hamas. The agent, Mr. Joel, expressed his anger in a chat that included WME's CEO, Ari Emanuel, stating, 'Screw the left kill all,' before quickly deleting the message. This incident has raised concerns among colleagues, who described the situation as 'heartbreaking' and 'sad.' Mr. Joel's comments were reportedly aimed at clients who had shown support for Hamas, highlighting the tensions within the agency regarding political views. WME has not issued any public statement regarding the incident, leaving many to speculate about the internal dynamics at play. Meghan Markle joined WME last year amid a significant rebranding effort following negative press related to her and Prince Harry. Ari Emanuel, known for his strong connections and business acumen, is seen as a key figure in navigating the agency's challenges, especially during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the agency's high-profile roster, including celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Jason Momoa, concerns linger about Markle's lifestyle brand, which has yet to launch any products since its announcement. Experts have raised alarms about the viability of her brand, suggesting that a clear business strategy is essential for future success.