Michael Ovitz Storms Out of Deposition Over Jeffrey Epstein Questions
Michael Ovitz, co-founder of CAA, walked out of a June 1 deposition after being questioned about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Ovitz was testifying in a lawsuit filed by actress Julia Ormond, who alleges CAA failed to warn her before a 1995 meeting where Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her.
According to a deposition transcript, Ovitz ended the session abruptly after 45 minutes of a scheduled three-hour testimony. He removed his microphone, announced he was done, and slammed the door as he left the New York office.
Why did Michael Ovitz leave the deposition?
Ovitz became irate when attorney Kevin Mintzer asked about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. He told the lawyer, “I’m not going to discuss anything about Jeffrey Epstein,” and stated that no answers would be provided regardless of the questions asked.
The exit occurred after Mintzer asked if Ovitz knew Epstein had been convicted of sex crimes. Earlier in the session, Ovitz acknowledged visiting Epstein’s house for 20 minutes based on a recommendation from JP Morgan Bank, but he questioned the relevance of Epstein to the case involving Harvey Weinstein.
What are the allegations in Julia Ormond’s lawsuit?
Actress Julia Ormond sued CAA, Weinstein, Miramax, and Disney in 2023 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. She alleges that in December 1995, CAA set her up for a dinner meeting with Weinstein without warning her about his history of sexual misconduct.
Ormond claims Weinstein subsequently took her to a Miramax-owned apartment and sexually assaulted her. While Disney and Miramax reached out-of-court settlements, CAA has denied any wrongdoing by its agents and continues to fight the suit.
Attorneys sought Ovitz’s testimony to understand the operations of CAA and the industry’s culture of harassment, topics Ovitz previously addressed in his memoir.
What did Ovitz testify about Harvey Weinstein?
Ovitz described Weinstein as a “bully” and stated he disliked Weinstein’s business methodology. He testified that the two “got into it multiple times” and that he spoke to Weinstein as little as possible.
Despite this friction, Ovitz claimed he was unaware of any sexual misconduct allegations against Weinstein until they became public in 2017. When asked what he would have done if he had known, Ovitz stated, “We surely wouldn’t have done business with the person.”
What happens next in the legal battle?
Ormond’s attorneys are now asking the court to hold Ovitz in contempt. Attorney Meredith Firetog wrote in a motion for sanctions that Ovitz has “no plausible defense” for his conduct.
A possible next step is the issuance of an arrest warrant to ensure Ovitz completes the deposition. CAA’s attorney has already objected to the line of questioning, claiming they weren’t notified that Epstein would be discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Michael Ovitz being deposed?
He was questioned regarding his knowledge of Harvey Weinstein, the internal operations of CAA, and the culture of harassment in the entertainment industry as part of Julia Ormond’s lawsuit.
What is the status of the other defendants in the Ormond case?
Disney and Miramax have already reached out-of-court settlements, while CAA continues to deny the allegations and fight the lawsuit.
What evidence exists regarding Ovitz’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein?
Justice Department emails from 2012 show Ovitz expressing a desire to see Epstein and mentioning trips to St. Barts, contradicting an initial “no” during his deposition when asked if he was friendly with Epstein.
How should the legal system handle witnesses who refuse to answer questions during depositions?