As the novel coronavirus pandemic keeps upending the entertainment industry, with cost-cutting measures enacted and business models retooled, WME said Thursday it will lay off or furlough 20 percent of its workforce. “WME is reducing its workforce by approximately 20% as a result of COVID-19’s impact on our business.
We appreciate the contributions of our former colleagues, and out of respect for their privacy, we will not be commenting on the status of specific employees," an agency spokesperson said. "While we are making these difficult decisions now to safeguard our business, we believe in the resilience of our team and our industry.” Endeavor executive chairman Patrick Whitesell is said to be now taking on a more hands-on role in.