Record Executive Charlie Walk Leaves ‘The Four: Battle For Stardom’ After Sexual Misconduct Allegations Surface
Charlie Walk has left the FOX singing competition, The Four: Battle For Stardom, just one week before the show's finale.
Walk's Departing Statement
Walk, who served as one of the show's expert panelists alongside Sean 'Diddy' Combs, DJ Khaled, and Meghan Trainor, issued a statement through his attorney about his decision to exit the series.
"Out of respect for the contestants, my fellow judges and everyone involved with the show, I have made the decision not to attend the finale of The Four. I do not want my presence to be a distraction," said Walk.
FOX has made the decision to air Walk's final episode as a judge to air this Feb. 1. The television network has also not commented if Walk's chair will be filled when the show tapes its season finale.
The Sexual Misconduct Allegation
Walk left the show hours after Southern California lifestyle expert and Life Lab founder Tristan Coppersmith accused him in an open letter that she published on her blog on Monday, Jan. 29.
Coppersmith stated that while Walk helped her meet some of her music industry heroes such as Russell Simmons and Prince, she shared that The Four panelist also had a dark side that he showcased in front of her. The lifestyle expert revealed that Walk not only flirted with her but also made "lewd" comments about her body and whispered foul language when Walk's wife was around.
"You promised me the world in my career. You told me I would be one of the Top 30 music executives under 30. It's what I wanted. Cloaked in power, you know how to get me right where you wanted me. Under your control. Playing your sick games," Coppersmith wrote on her blog.
Walk Speaks Out
Walk also issued a statement regarding Coppersmith's allegations. While he continues to support the #MeToo movement, Walk believed that there was haste to judge his character and he thought the accusations were unfair and inconsistent.
"I welcome any investigation so that in short order these unfounded and hurtful accusations can be put to rest," said Walk.
The Four Update
Walk's departure comes at a crucial time as The Four: Battle For Stardom nears its season finale.
Four fan-favorite artists are expected to return to the show on the Feb. 1 episode to reclaim their spot on The Four: Battle for Stardom. Zhavia, Candice Boyd, Saeed Renaud, and Ash Minor -- an original member of The Four, are the artists returning to the competition. Currently, The Four are Jason Warrior, Nick Harrison, Tim Johnson, Jr., and Kendyle Paige.
The winner of the competition is expected to receive a recording contract from Republic Records and guidance from Diddy, DJ Khaled, and Trainor.
