UPDATED April 6, 5:22 p.m. ET: In a new report by Variety,Lucian Grainge sent a company-wide note today that said he was on his way to a full recovery. You can read it below.
Dear Colleagues:
See original story from 03/15/2020 below.
Universal Music Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge has been hospitalized after testing positive for coronavirus, Variety reports.
Sources claim that Grainge is currently being treated for the illness at Los Angeles’ UCLA Medical Center. News of Grainge contracting the virus comes after it was reported that Universal Music Group's headquarters in Santa Monica, California were evacuated Friday. The offices were closed because a then unidentified employee had tested positive for the virus.
"Previously, we have committed that if there were to be a confirmed case of coronavirus infection in any of our offices, we would immediately close that location. We have just been informed that there is a confirmed case of infection in an employee based in our 2220 Colorado Avenue offices," a memo obtained by Variety reads. "Accordingly and out of an abundance of caution, we are immediately closing all of our Santa Monica offices, and all Santa Monica staff are required to work from home until further notice."
Almost all of UMG's affiliated and companies are housed in this building.
A spokesperson for UMG was not available to comment on Grainge's situation. Yet, his illness has sent a shockwave through the entertainment industry. On Feb. 29, Grainge celebrated his 60th birthday in Palm Springs. A host of power players attended Grainge's party and were in close contact with the executive. This reportedly included Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple senior vice president Eddy Cue, music manager Irving Azoff, and more.
