Randy Travis Is Aware of Claims That Kirt Webster Mocked Him After Stroke
Randy Travis is aware of the claims made by an ex-employee of Webster PR that owner and found Kirt Webster mocked him. The country music icon has moved on from Webster PR, signing an agreement with 117 Publicity.
117 Publicity's Zach Farnum says that the move was not related to allegations of sexual harassment and assault made against Webster. While Austin Rick first accused Webster on Friday (Oct. 27), "None of us saw that until Monday," Farnum tells Taste of Country, even though a press release announcing the agreement went out the same day. Nobody with 117 or Travis' team saw the scandal coming, he reiterates. The press release was sent about five hours prior to Rick's Facebook accusation.
The reason Travis left, Farnum says, was much less sensational. Farnum worked for Webster PR until May 2017 and during that time he worked closely with Randy and Mary Travis and became close to the couple on a personal level. During last month's Country Music Hall of Fame medallion ceremony they reconnected, and a new deal was eventually struck after the singer's team decided to go in a different direction. Travis also has representation from his record label, Warner Music Group. Projects planned for Travis moving forward include an autobiography and full-length documentary.
Farnum confirms that Travis and his wife are aware of accusations made in the Tennessean that Webster mocked Travis in meetings, imitating his behavior after he suffered a stroke in 2013. While Farnum says he's saddened to hear about this, Randy and Mary won't be making a statement publicly.
Other 117 Publicity clients include Bobby Bare, Lee Roy Parnell and Jerry Lee Lewis.
These Singers Left Webster PR After Allegations Became Public