Irving Azoff to Rep Chelsea Handler – I like Money, Too, Bitch

“Chelsea Lately” host jokes Azoff auditioned for her sidekick Chuy’s job

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Irving Azoff will help Chelsea Handler expand her burgeoning media empire, the longtime talent manager and the “Chelsea Lately” host said Tuesday.

In addition to guiding the comedian’s personal brand, Azoff will serve as a key adviser to Borderline Amazing Productions, Handler’s production outfit.

In a news release, the star said said she is weighing her options after her current contract to host “Chelsea Lately” on E! expires at the end of 2014. Enter Azoff, who has managed the likes of the Eagles and Christina Aguilera with great success.

Also read: Irving Azoff and Madison Square Garden Team Up for Media and Music Venture

“I have many more things I want to achieve – in addition to my nightly show, of course,” Handler said in a statement. ” I’ve known Irving for a while – actually, since he auditioned for Chuy’s (Chuy Bravo, her assistant)  job.  I know he’s primarily a music manager, so just to stop the rumors before they start … I won’t be dropping an album.”

Azoff  hailed Handler as a tough-talking original.

“She can be a total bitch, but I’ve dealt with a lot of those before,” he said in a statement. “Chelsea is damn good at what she does and has an undeniably strong brand. She and the guys have exciting ideas for the future of her career and production company.  My goal is to assist them in facilitating and realizing their vision.”

Also read: The Ari Emanuel Vs Irving Azoff Emails: ‘I Keep Grudges for a Lifetime’ (Exclusive)

Until now, Azoff has functioned in an unofficial advisory capacity.  Now he said he’ll be charging for his services.

“They obviously know comedy and how to produce it really well,” Azoff said in a statement. “I want to help them exploit their content in the most profitable – yet most appropriate – way possible.  I like money, too.”

In addition to “Lately,” Borderline Amazing Productions produces the E!’ talk show “Hello Ross,” with Ross Mathews.  On the scripted front, the company produced three seasons of  “After Lately” – a comedy about the lives of the ‘Chelsea Lately’ staff behind the scenes – as well as the NBC sitcom, “Are You There, Chelsea?”

Also read: 8 of the Bitchiest Lines from Ari Emanuel & Irving Azoff’s Explosive Email

They’ve also shopped projects at FOX, NBC and ABC.

It’s been a busy time for Azoff, as well.

Last month, Azoff and James Dolan announced they would join forces again after severing ties with Live Nation Entertainment.  Dolan’s  Madison Square Garden Company and Azoff Music Management reached an agreement to create a new music, media and entertainment company called Azoff MSG Entertainment. The new venture will provide management services,  have an interest in music publishing and  produce digital products and television shows.

Handler and Borderline Amazing continue to be represented by CAA as well as her attorney, Craig Jacobson at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller & Hoberman.

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