Ciara Kelly has “stepped away” from NK management.
According to Independent.ie, the Newstalk star is the third star to part ways with the talent agency.
She told the publication: “I have been with NK management since my Operation Transformation days in 2014 and throughout that time they served me very well as my agent.”
“However, in order to fully interrogate the RTÉ payments issue going forward, to remain impartial and fulfil my objective public service broadcasting remit (Yes we have one outside RTE too) I believe I have to now step away from the agency and as of today I no longer retain them as my agent.”
It comes after Lottie Ryan announced her shock departure from NK management.
The 2FM star wrote at the time: “My relationship with NK Management ended a number of weeks ago when we respectfully parted ways. I will not be making any further comment.”
NK Management represents a host of RTÉ stars – including Ryan Tubridy, Doireann Garrihy, Baz Ashmawy, Claire Byrne and Kathryn Thomas.
Noel Kelly is currently in the headlines, after it was revealed his client Ryan Tubridy’s earnings were publicly understated by €345,000 over the last six years.
The issue was identified during a routine audit of RTÉ’s 2022 accounts, prompting an independent review of the matter.
News of Lottie’s departure from NK Management comes after she was ordered to remove an ad for a car company on her Instagram feed, after it was filmed on RTÉ’s campus without permission.
Brand deals between RTÉ talent and other companies have been subject to intense scrutiny ever since the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal hit headlines last month.
While the deals are separate to RTÉ contracts, it’s understood they have to be approved by a line manager at the state broadcaster.
According to the Irish Independent, the video showed Lottie promoting a €50,000 Toyota car.
It was filmed at the back of the RTÉ Radio building, and even featured the RTÉ logo on a sign for a car charging point.
It’s understood the video was removed from Lottie’s Instagram feed after RTÉ was contacted for a comment on the clip.
A spokesperson said: “Permission was not given by RTÉ to Lottie Ryan for the filming or for the post in question.”
“RTÉ has comprehensive social media guidelines that all employees – staff and contractors – are contractually obliged to adhere to.”
“This matter has been addressed with her by management. The post has been taken down,” they added.
According to RTÉ’s journalism guidelines, use of the RTÉ campus “for any purposes” is by permission on a case-by-case basis.
