LA Reid Won’t Deliver Keynote At International Music Conference

Former Epic Records chairman and CEO Antonio “LA” Reid, who left the company amid accusations of sexual harassment earlier this month, has pulled out of his scheduled keynote talk at the MIDEM conference in Cannes, France, Variety has learned.

The industry confab, which spotlights the international music business, takes place from June 6 – 9; Reid’s keynote was to have been moderated by Variety executive music editor Shirley Halperin.

The move is not entirely surprising given the news around Reid’s departure from Epic, which was first reported by Variety on May 11, with reports of sexual-harassment allegations arising three days later. No news on a replacement was available at press time but the search is on, say insiders, for a new Epic CEO.

According to sources, Reid has been keeping a low profile since his exit. It is believed that he is looking to launch his own entertainment company and has been meeting with potential investors — among them former super-agent and CAA co-founder Michael Ovitz.

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