Host of ‘Call Her Daddy’ Podcast Alex Cooper in Talks with CAA After Sudden Exit from UTA

Following several turbulent months and the impending end of her beverage brand, Alex Cooper is embracing change – at least when it comes to her representation. The host of the popular ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast is reportedly in serious talks with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), according to Deadline. Although nothing is signed, sealed, and delivered yet, industry insiders expect Cooper to make CAA her new home after a sudden but not entirely unexpected exit from United Talent Agency (UTA).

Cooper’s team has remained tight-lipped about the move, and CAA has declined to comment. UTA, however, has chosen not to respond to Deadline’s request for comment on Cooper’s departure from her former long-time business-building home. Bloomberg was the first to report on Cooper’s agency shift.

A Turbulent Period for Alex Cooper and Unwell Media

Cooper’s decision to leave UTA comes at a time when she and her spouse, Matt Kaplan, are facing a significant amount of scrutiny. The pair has been involved in a series of public feuds, including one with Dave Portnoy and ex-Cooper ally Alix Earle, who are both represented by UTA. The high-profile disputes have led to a substantial amount of negative attention being directed at Kaplan, with some accusing him of fostering an overly aggressive and toxic workplace at Unwell.

One of the most recent controversies surrounding Kaplan involved an alleged demand that UTA drop Earle. Although the agency ultimately refused to comply, the move has been seen as a sign of the tensions between Cooper and her former ally. With Earle now reportedly no longer working with UTA, the situation has become increasingly complex.

Despite the turmoil, Unwell Media remains a significant player in the entertainment industry. The company, which has a valuation of $500 million following a recent investment from Patrick Whitesell and Jason Lublin, boasts a podcast network of over a dozen shows that reaches millions of listeners daily. In addition to its podcasting endeavors, Unwell has also put a focus on growing its YouTube presence, with 100 million followers across various platforms.

Cooper and Kaplan’s decision to partner with SiriusXM in 2024 has also been seen as a strategic move to further expand Unwell’s reach. The deal, which is reportedly worth $125 million, has provided the company with a significant influx of cash, allowing it to continue its aggressive expansion plans.

The Impact of the CAA-UTA Shift

While Cooper’s decision to leave UTA may seem like a minor change, it could have significant implications for the entertainment industry. As one of the most prominent and influential figures in the podcasting world, Cooper’s move to CAA could signal a shift in the way that talent agencies operate. With CAA’s reputation for being one of the most powerful and respected agencies in the industry, Cooper’s decision to join the agency could be seen as a vote of confidence in the company’s ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry.

However, the move also raises questions about the future of Cooper’s relationship with UTA. With the agency having declined to comment on Cooper’s departure, it remains to be seen how the situation will play out. One thing is certain, though: Cooper’s decision to leave UTA has sent shockwaves throughout the industry, and it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks and months.