Megyn Kelly Drops CAA Amid Controversy Over Blackface Comments (UPDATED)

Megyn Kelly dropped talent agency CAA on Wednesday, a day after her comments defending blackface in Halloween costumes drew outrage, and amidst questions about the future of her relationship with NBC News.

The Hollywood Reporter dropped an inaccurate exclusive earlier Wednesday that claimed Kelly was dumped by CAA. Mediaite has learned that the NBC News host fired the agency herself over a variety of issues including concerns about conflicts of interest in their representation of other talent and executives at NBC amidst what has become a contentious relationship. The Hollywood Reporter updated its headline from “Megyn Kelly Dropped By CAA” to “Megyn Kelly No Longer at CAA” shortly after publication of its story.

Kelly has signed with another agency, UTA, sources familiar with the deal told Mediaite. Her agency move comes amidst rumors that she could be leaving NBC News soon.

Earlier Wednesday, NBC News chief Andy Lack blasted Kelly before the network’s staff at a town hall meeting, condemning the controversial comments she made about blackface on her show on Tuesday.

“There is no other way to put this but I condemn those remarks, there is no place on our air or in this workplace for them,” Lack told staff, according to a transcript obtained by Mediaite. “Very unfortunate.”

The NBC News chairman’s condemnation came after a number of Kelly’s high profile colleagues at the network criticized her remarks on air, taking the conflict between Kelly and NBC public.

Reports surfaced shortly after Lack’s remarks that Kelly will be leaving the network by the end of the year.

UPDATE (11:55PM): Sources tell Mediaite UTA has pulled out of representing Kelly. “Given the circumstances it became impossible to represent Megyn Kelly,” a UTA source said.