CAA's recent signing of actress Sydney Sweeney may have been contingent on a January meeting with Hollywood super agent Ari Emanuel, during which he reportedly advised Sweeney to end her relationship with music manager Scooter Braun. Sources familiar with the conversation stated that Emanuel suggested Sweeney's career would be better served if she broke up with Braun, who has managed high-profile artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.
According to multiple sources, the encounter occurred shortly after Sweeney became agent-less following her longtime agent's departure from Paradigm Talent Agency. The alleged advice from Emanuel reportedly did not sit well with Sweeney, and word of the conversation eventually reached Braun, who sources say was upset.
This development is notable given that Braun reportedly encouraged Sweeney to meet with Emanuel. However, a representative for Emanuel has denied that such a meeting took place in January or that he advised Sweeney to leave Braun.
Despite the alleged tension, Sweeney officially signed with CAA, with principal Kevin Huvane reportedly facilitating the move after being contacted by Braun. Sources close to Sweeney, however, claim her production team had already met with CAA and been impressed prior to Braun's involvement.
The recruitment of Sweeney also led to some internal dynamics at CAA. Joel Lubin, head of CAA's motion picture group, had reportedly been pursuing Sweeney as a client for over a year and had informed colleagues he was close to signing her. The fact that Huvane, rather than Lubin, ultimately secured Sweeney's representation has been described by some within the agency as an "embarrassment" for Lubin, though others suggest internal agency politics were less dramatic and that Lubin was involved in the process.
Sweeney's recent work includes a racy advertisement for the sports prediction market Novig, where she appeared nude and posed with sports equipment. She also joined Novig as a strategic partner and equity holder. Her upcoming film projects include "The Housemaid's Secret" and Netflix's live-action "Gundam" film.
Sweeney and Braun began dating last year, and sources have reported that Braun is considering proposing marriage to the actress. Braun has become increasingly involved in Sweeney's career, and he recently posted a birthday tribute to her on September 12th, calling her "the person who surprised me and showed me how life with true partnership can be lived."