publicist shamed
of North Carolina. Rick has confided, “For
years, I was so ashamed and since then, I’ve
overdosed once and I’ve slit my wrists another
time... I’ve been in therapy for seven years. I just
want to try to get some validation that I am still
a worthwhile person, while at the same time,
making sure that no other victim is his again.”
Sad to say, the alleged attack is beyond the statute
of limitation (seven years), though legally Kirt
may still be subject to a lawsuit.
Amongst other allegations levelled at Webster
are that he would use the notoriety and star
status of his major client Dolly Parton to initiate
meetings with male fans by promising meet-
and-greets. While we couldn’t reach Parton’s
office for comment, we’re aware she cut ties to
Webster’s agency, releasing this on Twitter: “I’ve
worked with Kirt Webster for many years and
he has done a wonderful job. I am hoping the
accusations are not true.”
Still, sister Stella Parton told USA Today
newspaper: “I think she needs to condemn this
type of behaviour, whether he is guilty or not.
I know for a fact she would not support that
type of behaviour and I know she’s probably
extremely shocked that this has in any way
implicated her in this.”
Another Webster client Kid Rock discussed
his departure in a letter to an industry blog,
noting that “the shocking accusations of sexual
assault and mistreatment of others, I take dead
seriously. I never witnessed or heard about any
of this, outside that he was probably gay, which
I could care less about. We (BMG, his label)
cancelled his and his company’s services upon
not only hearing about these, but other rumours
that are starting to swirl. I hope to God this shit
he is being accused of is not true, as he has been
nothing but a good friend to me. But if it comes
to light that it is, I will be the first to cut the head
off the snake.”
Joyce Moore, manager-wife of Sam Moore
(of Sam & Dave fame), took issue with those
deserting Kirt before giving him the chance to
explain, calling it conviction in a trial by social
media: “I think it’s in transition and they’re trying
to get everything up to speed. Whether this Rick
guy is telling the truth or not, the idea of how
he’s going about handling his private, personal
business has had a dramatically devastating effect
on artists like Sam, who are in the middle of
trying to promote their careers and new product
(he’s releasing a CD of patriotic music). I am
actually quite angry at what this guy has done to
my 82-year-old client. It has cost him setbacks
because of what had to be done at the company,
and it has caused us personal sadness because
of a 20-year-plus relationship with Kirt and his
family.”
Although Webster always treated us
respectfully, it was apparent that he had a
preference for younger male staffers. Of course,
he also gave a helping hand to student interns
from schools such as nearby Belmont University,
consisting of both sexes, mainly on a voluntary
training basis. Many media types may have
suspected Webster was gay, though he never said
so, but it’s certainly not unusual on the showbiz
scene. In the two decades we coordinated with
Webster P.R., he and his staff operated in an
efficient and professional manner, arranging
our chats with such clients as Brenda Lee,
George Jones, Gene Watson, Tanya Tucker,
Hank Williams, Jr., Jo Dee Messina, Jimmy
Fortune of The Statlers, and Duane Allen of
the Oak Ridge Boys.
Actually, Webster took Music Row by storm,
coming in from New York some 20 years back,
playing a sort of bait and switch tactic of luring
name artists at reduced rates and signing up
budding talents, impressed in sharing a publicist
with legendary players, despite maybe higher
costs. (Most veteran VIPs signed hadn’t had a hit
record in years.) On the corporate side, Webster
scored a coup in his pact with the National
Rifle Association, developing an NRA Country
program, encouraging support amongst fans of
stars such as Trace Adkins, Lee Brice, Craig
Morgan, Heidi Newfield and naturally Hank
Jr., and their participation in promotional events
sponsored. Obviously that connection has been
severed, too. Pop players such as Cyndi Lauper
and Meat Loaf were puzzled as to why they
were still listed on his website as clients when all
they did was each engage Webster for a single
promotional gig over a year ago
As of this writing, those abandoning the
sinking ship, include Lee Greenwood, Justin
Moore, Jewel, Kenny G, William Michael
Morgan, LoCash, Jeannie Seely, Bill
Anderson, John Conlee, Deborah Allen
and Tim Rushlow, artists who helped bring
Webster’s client total in September to over 100,
including corporate accounts, but in lieu of the
negative press now numbering next to nothing.
C’est la guerre!
Among the clients represented by Webster PR were Dolly
Parton (top), Kid Rock (centre), and The Oak Ridge Boys
(above).
DECEMBER 2017 - cmp 5