Samantha Jade and The Veronicas lead artist exodus from Sony Music after workplace misconduct scandal – as ex-executive Pat Handlin plots return with Kyle Sandilands
Kyle Sandilands may be about to go into business with former Sony Music VP A&R Pat Handlin.
Handlin, who is engaged to pop star Samantha Jade, quit Sony Music Australia last year after an HR investigation into allegations of a ‘toxic workplace’.
But the ousted executive is starting a new venture with Sandilands, and Jade “could be among the first recruits”, reports The Music Network.
Make moves? Kyle Sandilands (pictured) may be about to go into business with former Sony Music VP A&R Pat Handlin
The Veronicas, who recently parted ways with Sony, could also be on the duo’s hit list, according to the industry publication.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Sandilands manager for comment.
Sandilands previously defended Pat’s father, former Sony Music Australia CEO Denis Handlin, following a Four Corners investigation into a “toxic” culture at the label.
First up: Singer Samantha Jade (pictured in December last year) ‘could be among the first signings’, reports The Music Network. She is engaged to Pat Handlin
The former CEO denied the ABC allegations and Sandilands later backed Handlin Snr on his Sydney breakfast radio show.
Samantha announced her engagement to Pat in January 2019, after they reportedly started dating around mid-2017.
Pat was one of two Sony Music Australia executives to be sacked last June following the abrupt departure of his father Denis.
Targets: The Veronicas (pictured in June 2019), who recently split from Sony, could also be on the duo’s hit list, according to the industry publication
Allegations: Pat Handlin (right, with fiancee Samantha Jade) was removed from Sony Music Australia last year following an HR investigation into allegations of a ‘toxic workplace’
A New York-based label spokesperson confirmed to The Music Network last August that he “is no longer with the company.”
He joined the company in 2006 as an intern before rising through the ranks to the position of vice-president artists and repertoire.
Pat was placed on indefinite leave on June 22, 2021, along with senior vice president of human resources, Mark Stebnicki.
Gone: Pat was placed on indefinite leave on June 22, 2021, along with senior vice president of human resources, Mark Stebnicki
Denis Handlin had quit a day earlier after the company opened an investigation into his fellow workers for allegations of bullying and harassment.
Handlin Snr was one of the most powerful and influential figures in the music industry, helping stars like Delta Goodrem and Jessica Mauboy achieve worldwide fame.
Sony Music is investigating allegations of bullying and harassment at its Australian office, with the HR investigation being conducted from the company’s US headquarters.
Family business: Denis Handlin had resigned a day earlier after the company launched an investigation into his other workers for allegations of bullying and harassment. (Photograph with Delta Goodrem in August 2004)
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