Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard fires agent over former client's sexual abuse claim
APA's Tyler Grasham is currently on leave pending an internal investigation into the allegations
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Your support makes all the difference.It and Stranger Things' Finn Wolfhard has parted ways with his agent Tyler Grasham, after allegations of sexual abuse surfaced.
The Hollywood Reporter claims the agent faces a string of allegations of sexual assault and acting inappropriately with young aspiring male actors, including actor-turned-filmmaker Blaise Godbe Lipman.
Grasham, who works for APA, is currently on leave from the company, pending an internal investigation into the allegations. "APA takes these allegations extremely seriously and is investigating this matter," a spokesperson stated, adding any further information was a confidential personnel matter.
The allegations were first brought to light as part of the "#MeToo" social media campaign, which looked to provide a supported platform for stories of sexual assault and harassment. It's under the hashtag that Lipman first alleged that he'd been assaulted by a prominent Hollywood agent, though he decline to name Grasham at first.
"We had a 'business' lunch to discuss potential [representation]. He ordered me a drink. I said I was 17. He said don't be rude, this is business, this is how things are done. I didn't know better. He got me drunk, etc etc etc. SUCH A TIRED CLICHE."
"He's still at APA representing tons of young talent, using a position of power to coerce young boys. Like [Harvey] Weinstein, everyone knows," he wrote on Facebook.
However, a second post by Lipman states he'd received a "poke" on Facebook from Grasham soon after he posted his story, which moved him to name the agent as the subject of his allegations.
"Tyler Grasham, under the pretense of a business meeting regarding potential agency representation at APA Agency, fed me alcohol while I was underage and sexually assaulted me," Grasham wrote. "APA Agency has kept this man employed, working with kid actors. I find it incredibly difficult to believe they do not know of his predatory behavior, using his position within the company to prey on naive kids."
"Although his power in this biz is no where near Weinstein level, the collective power of agents is massive. I hope the light that's shed by the newly empowered victims who are coming forward, makes predators think twice. Change is slow but I hope this is a big jump start."
After Lipman's accusations went public, additional men came forward with their own stories. Lucas Ozarowski, for example, alleged to THR that he was sexually assaulted by Grasham at his home in January 2016.
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