Vincent Cirrincione, the talent manager who helped launch the careers of Halle Berry and Taraji P. Henson, is shutting down his firm, Vincent Cirrincione Associates, after he was accused of sexual harassment by multiple women, an individual with knowledge of the situation confirmed to TheWrap.
The move to close his management company comes after some of Cirrincione’s biggest clients, including Taraji P. Henson, dropped him as a manager over the weekend.
In the story published in the Washington Post report where Friday, nine women said Cirrincione repeatedly them offered representation and career guidance in exchange for sex. The accusers, eight African-American and one Asian-American, said Cirrincione leveraged his experience with two of the most successful African-American actresses in the industry to manipulate them into sexual encounters.
The accusations of inappropriate behavior from Cirrincione date from 1993 to 2011, which includes one actress saying he repeatedly masturbated in front of her during the years he managed her.
In a statement to the Post, Cirrincione admitted to sexual relationships, but denied ever promising representation in exchange.
“I have had affairs while in committed relationships, ones I am now ashamed to say are coming to light and shading my past and my reputation,” he said. “I can say without a doubt that I have never used favors, sexual or otherwise, as a reason for managing anyone. I want to make it clear that not one of those relationships were anything but consensual.
“I take responsibility for my part in the situation and I am not here to diminish anyone’s feelings or experiences. I apologize to these women, my past and present partner, my clients and employees for the pain this is bringing them. I was under the impression I was living my life as a supportive man to women. It is with a heavy heart that I see now I was wrong.”
Deadline first reported the news.