Full Breakdown
Alex Cooper Parts Ways with UTA as Agency Talks with CAA Intensify
8/17/2026, 3:51:40 AM
Core Event: Departure from UTA
Alex Cooper, the “Call Her Daddy” host and co-founder of Unwell Media, ended her representation by United Talent Agency (UTA) on July 27. Sources say she is now in advanced discussions with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), though no agreement has been signed and both agencies have declined comment.
Background & Context
Unwell Media was formed in 2023 and quickly secured a $125 million SiriusXM partnership in 2024. The company, which now reaches roughly 100 million followers across platforms, has expanded beyond podcasts into TV, film, live events, a creative agency, and a short-lived beverage line launched with Nestlé and shuttered last year. An investment from Patrick Whitesell’s firm WTSL, announced on August 12, valued Unwell at $500 million and is being used as growth capital.
The rapid expansion has been shadowed by workplace allegations. A June Vanity Fair report and an April Bloomberg piece cited former and current employees describing a toxic environment allegedly fostered by Matt Kaplan, Cooper’s husband and Unwell co-founder. Cooper has publicly dismissed the claims, urging readers not to trust everything they see online.
Official Statements & Responses
In a Wall Street Journal interview at Cannes Lions, Cooper emphasized the challenges of scaling a startup, expressing pride in Unwell’s achievements and rejecting the negative press as a “smear campaign.” She also highlighted the double standards faced by women in the industry, noting that criticism often reflects broader gender biases rather than company performance.
Data & Statistics
- Unwell valuation: $500 million (August 12)
- SiriusXM deal: $125 million (2024)
- Followers: ~100 million across social platforms
- Investment: undisclosed amount from WTSL (valuation-based)
- Beverage venture: launched 2022, discontinued 2024
What’s Next
Cooper’s negotiations with CAA remain ongoing, and the agency shift could reshape Unwell’s future partnership strategy as the company continues to diversify its content slate and pursue brand-consulting services for advertisers and media firms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will say that building a startup, there is so much growth that comes with that, and I am extremely proud of what we have built at Unwell,” — Alex Cooper
