News Summary
Los Angeles talent agent Mark Measures has been indicted, accused of swindling over $1.8 million from 160 actors and wages from employees. The indictment reveals deceitful activities spanning from June 2021 to March 2024, with many actors left financially struggling due to misappropriated funds intended for their earnings and retirement accounts. Measures faces numerous legal charges, and his agency has permanently closed, prompting concerns about financial accountability within the industry.
Los Angeles Talent Agent Indicted for Stealing Millions from Actors
In a dramatic twist that has rocked the entertainment industry, Los Angeles talent agent Mark Measures has been indicted for allegedly swindling over $1.8 million from 160 actors and around $26,000 in wages from six employees. The curtains have fallen on this scandal, as the indictment against Measures and his agency, Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin and Associates, reveals a web of deception and financial turmoil that has left many struggling actors in dire straits.
What Happened?
The indictment, which breaks down a total of 40 counts against Measures, claims that these alleged thefts occurred over a span of time from June 2021 to March 2024. For many actors navigating the tough waters of Hollywood, every penny counts, especially when they rely on residual payments from commercials, voiceovers, and hit TV shows like “Law & Order.” Sadly, it seems some hopefuls were left high and dry while Measures lived a life of luxury.
The Alleged Misdeeds
District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. highlighted that the actors affected were often in precarious financial situations, making the alleged thefts particularly egregious. It is reported that Measures misappropriated funds that were meant for employees’ 401(k) retirement accounts. This means that not only were actors cheated out of the money they earned, but employees were also denied their well-deserved savings. Talk about adding insult to injury!
To fund his extravagant lifestyle—think upscale shopping sprees at top brands like Stuart Weitzman and Ermenegildo Zegna—Measures allegedly manipulated the funds that should have gone to his clients. He was known to frequent the Crypto.com Arena, and it seems the opulence was at the expense of those he was supposed to support.
Excuses and Disappearances
It’s worth noting that the agents and actors reported receiving a buffet of excuses for missed payments. According to reports, Measures blamed everything from earthquakes to employee sicknesses and even banking delays. Despite his assurances that payments were forthcoming, he eventually went silent, leaving many actors frustrated and confused.
A History of Complaints
This is not the first time Measures has faced scrutiny. There’s a shroud of previous civil lawsuits dealing with late or unpaid compensation, and the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA has previously warned about the agency’s failure to pay its clients. With more complaints popping up on social media, it seems the word is out: many actors are cautioning their peers to steer clear of KMR.
The Legal Fallout
Measures’ legal troubles continue to mount with the indictment detailing various counts of fraud and grand larceny. Specifically, he faces one count of first-degree scheme to defraud, three counts of second-degree grand larceny, 28 counts of third-degree grand larceny, five counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, and three counts of petit larceny. That’s a whole lot of legal baggage!
Agency Closure and Future Steps
As the storm brewed, KMR has permanently closed its doors, with all franchises in multiple cities inactivated by SAG-AFTRA. Meanwhile, Measures—who has pleaded not guilty—has a court date set for July 15. The District Attorney’s office remains vigilant and is deepening its investigation, encouraging any other victims to come forward.
What’s Next?
The fallout from this scandal raises many questions about financial responsibility within the world of talent agencies. The hope is that justice will be served and that the actors who were wronged will find some form of recourse. For now, the lights are dimmed not only on KMR but also on the dreams of many talented individuals who believed they had a reliable ally in their pursuit of Hollywood stardom.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Mark Measures
- Variety
- Google Scholar: Mark Measures
- Hollywood Reporter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Talent Agent
- New York Post
- Google News: Mark Measures
