Jonathan Knee, a former banker at Goldman Sachs Group and Morgan Stanley who has negotiated with Mr. Sillerman, says the investor has an "incredible instinct for good business" and always was careful not to let star power influence entertainment-business decisions.

WSJ: Paradise Lost for Wealthy Resort Novice

Back in 2008, the BBC apologized to actor Andrew Sachs after two radio presenters -- Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross -- left a series of messages on his phone while on-air, including offensive references to his granddaughter.

CNN: Nurse death sparks outrage, casts glare on 'shock jocks'