Michael Ovitz Walks Out of Deposition Amid Epstein Questions in Julia Ormond Lawsuit

On June 1 2026, Michael Ovitz, co-founder of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), left a New York deposition after being questioned about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Ovitz told the attorney, “I’m not going to discuss anything about Jeffrey Epstein. You can ask all the questions you want — you’re going to get no answers,” then announced, “I’m done with this,” removed his microphone and exited the room.

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Actress Julia Ormond sued CAA, Harvey Weinstein, Miramax and Disney in 2023 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, alleging CAA knew of Weinstein’s sexual misconduct and failed to warn her before a dinner meeting that led to an alleged assault in December 1995. Disney and Miramax settled; CAA continues to deny liability. Ovitz, who left CAA months before the alleged assault, was subpoenaed to testify about CAA’s culture and his knowledge of Weinstein.

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• Michael Ovitz – Former CAA co-founder; called Weinstein a “bully” and refused to answer Epstein-related questions.

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• Julia Ormond – Plaintiff; claims CAA facilitated Weinstein’s assault.

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• Harvey Weinstein – Former producer; accused of multiple sexual assaults, including the one alleged by Ormond.

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• Jeffrey Epstein – Convicted sex offender; Ovitz’s email correspondence with him was released in the Justice Department’s Epstein files.

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• Kevin Mintzer – Attorney for Ormond; argues Ovitz’s continued association with Epstein is relevant to CAA’s handling of Weinstein.

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• Meredith Firetog – Attorney for Ormond; filed a motion for contempt against Ovitz.

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• CAA’s legal counsel – Objected to the inclusion of Epstein questions, citing lack of prior notice.

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• December 1995 – Ormond alleges Weinstein sexually assaulted her.

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• 2023 – Ormond files lawsuit under the Adult Survivors Act.

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• March 2025 – New York Supreme Court orders Ovitz to testify after a missed deposition.

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• June 1 2026 – Ovitz walks out of deposition.

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• June 12 2026 – Ormond’s attorneys file a motion for contempt and sanctions.

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Emails from 2012 and the 2010s between Ovitz and Epstein were disclosed in the Justice Department’s mass release of Epstein-related files. One 2012 email reads, “I would love to see you.” Another indicates Ovitz looked forward to meeting Epstein in St. Barts, and a third notes both parties “raving about you.” Ovitz later acknowledged a brief 20-minute visit to Epstein’s house at the recommendation of JP Morgan.

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Meredith Firetog argued Ovitz “has no plausible defense for his contemptuous conduct” and urged the court to issue an arrest warrant. CAA’s attorney objected, stating the agency was not notified that Epstein questions would be raised. Kevin Mintzer emphasized that Ovitz’s ongoing relationship with Epstein after his 2008 conviction “is directly relevant” to assessing CAA’s handling of Weinstein’s alleged misconduct.

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Ormond’s legal team contends that Ovitz’s refusal to answer and his continued ties to Epstein demonstrate poor judgment that may have influenced CAA’s response to Weinstein’s behavior. Mintzer stated, “Mr. Ovitz in his testimony made representations about certain actions he would have taken with respect to Mr. Weinstein had he known that Mr. Weinstein had been credibly accused of sexual misconduct.”

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• “I'm not going to discuss anything about Jeffrey Epstein. You can ask all the questions you want — you're going to get no answers.” — Michael Ovitz, former CAA co-founder

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• “I’m done with this,” — Michael Ovitz, former CAA co-founder

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• “What does this got to do with Harvey Weinstein?” — Michael Ovitz, former CAA co-founder

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• “Mr. Ovitz in his testimony made representations about certain actions he would have taken with respect to Mr. Weinstein had he known that Mr. Weinstein had been credibly accused of sexual misconduct,” — Kevin Mintzer, attorney for Julia Ormond

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• “His continuing association with Jeffrey Epstein after knowing that Mr.” — Kevin Mintzer, attorney for Julia Ormond

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Ovitz initially denied any friendship with Epstein, then asked for a definition of “friendly,” and later admitted a brief visit to Epstein’s house and a planned meeting in St. Barts. The deposition transcript does not clarify whether Ovitz considered these contacts “friendly,” leaving his exact level of association ambiguous.

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A court hearing on the contempt motion is pending. If granted, Ovitz could face arrest for contempt and may be compelled to complete the deposition. The outcome may affect the broader litigation concerning CAA’s alleged role in Weinstein’s alleged assault.

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