Ex-MediaLink CEO Michael Kassan has had a rollercoaster of a week, with wins and losses along the way. After a favorable ruling to move his messy exit from UTA behind closed doors to arbitration, Kassan was gearing up for a return to Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. But things took a turn when another judge tentatively shut down his defamation case against Hollywood litigator Bryan Freedman.
While the final ruling is pending, the judge’s tentative decision suggests Freedman’s remarks were within his legal rights. The judge highlighted the contentious nature of the dispute between Kassan and UTA, where accusations flew in both directions. In fact, the judge pointed out that Kassan himself accused UTA of lying, making similar accusations nonactionable in court.
Despite the setbacks, Kassan’s legal team is pushing back, arguing that Freedman’s comments were egregious. Meanwhile, UTA and Kassan remain tight-lipped about the recent developments.
In the midst of legal battles, both sides are claiming victories. UTA is focused on supporting MediaLink’s work, while Kassan’s team sees the arbitration ruling as a win. As the drama unfolds, new leadership at MediaLink is taking charge, with UTA partners stepping into key roles.
It’s a high-stakes game in the world of media and entertainment, and Kassan is at the center of it all. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
