MPRM Sues 42West Over Hostile Leadership Team Defections, Client Poaching

MPRM Communications has filed a lawsuit against rival PR firm 42West, accusing them of orchestrating a hostile raid by poaching senior staff and clients, including major accounts such as Disney, NBC, and National Geographic. The legal action follows the sudden departure of nearly half of MPRM's leadership team, including executives Sylvia Desrochers and Caitlin McGee, who were previously in negotiations to buy MPRM but offered only 10 percent of the company's value. The suit alleges that 42West and the departing employees used confidential information and trade secrets to secure clients and cripple MPRM's business, resulting in the cessation of MPRM's sales talks and significant client losses. MPRM claims the move was malicious and planned well in advance, designed to disrupt the company's operations and competitive standing. This dispute highlights the intense competition and frequent legal battles in the entertainment PR industry, where firms aggressively compete for top talent and high-profile clients. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and could set a precedent for how such competitive conflicts are managed going forward.