UTA chief executive David Kramer sent staff a strongly worded memo accusing Variety reporter Matt Donnelly of biased and unprofessional reporting after Variety published an article about prominent clients leaving the agency. The dispute matters because it highlights tensions between a major Hollywood talent agency and an influential trade publication, with UTA seeking to rebut concerns about its business and internal morale.

Variety’s report cited departures including Alex Cooper and Nikki Glaser, alongside alleged pressure for consolidation and anxiety among agents. Kramer said UTA had a record-breaking 2025 and was on course to outperform in 2026, while alleging Donnelly had threatened the agency and behaved inappropriately towards women at UTA; Variety said the cited messages were taken out of context, stood by its reporting and said Donnelly regretted being drawn into an earlier heated exchange.