Publicis’ Levy and WPP’s Sorrell start war of words over JWT sexism lawsuit scandal

March 30, 2016 4:09

Levy 2 Sir Martin Sorrell and Maurice Levy, the heads of two of the world’s largest communications groups, have entered a slanging match over references Levy made about the the departure of JWT’s CEO from his role amid claims of sexism and racism.

Levy, Publicis Groupe CEO, commented on the JWT scandal in answer to a question at an industry conference in the US last week, saying he did not think what had happened at JWT was reflective of the industry.

JWT’s CEO Gustavo Martinez resigned from his position at the WPP-owned global network to fight a lawsuit filed by JWT communications officer, Erin Johnson, who claims Martinez used racist and sexually abusive language at work.

“I don’t believe what happened at JWT is endemic of what’s happening in our industry,” Levy said at the conference.

Subscribe to keep reading

Join Mumbrella Pro to access the Mumbrella archive and read our premium analysis of everything under the media and marketing umbrella.

Simon Canning

Simon Canning was Mumbrella's marketing and advertising editor from 2015-2017. In a career spanning journalism and communications over more than 30 years Simon has become one of Australia’s most respected analysts and commentators on the advertising, marketing and media industries. A regular commentator on radio and TV, Simon has also worked in media in the US and UK .

Topics

1 COMMENTS

Spot on 31 Mar 16

So if a female or black or muslim staff member comes out and says he/she was harassed or intmidated or humiliated or ignored or made fun of or disparaged, anywhere in Publicis, Levy is wrong and Sorrell is right. It’s not a one off.

Let’s hope every business at Publicis around the world operates with 100% harmony

Very strange thing to be having a public tiff over though..

User ID not verified.