Seth Hurwitz was arrested and charged with soliciting prostitution, Montgomery County police said Wednesday. Hurwitz is a giant in DC entertainment: His company I.M.P. owns the 9:30 Club and the Anthem and manages and books Merriweather Post Pavilion and the Lincoln Theatre.
Police say Hurwitz, 60, attempted to procure sex from a massage therapist on August 15, then texted and phoned her the next day asking her to come to his home in Bethesda. Montgomery County vice and intelligence unit detectives sat in on a phone call during which Hurwitz said he would pay for sexual favors, the cops say. When he arrived at the massage business Wednesday, he was arrested. He’s since been released on bond.
In a statement Thursday, Hurwitz’s attorney Paul F. Kemp says “it is far too early to comment on the allegation. The facts will come out in due course. In the meantime, we ask that you give consideration to Seth and his family. Seth is presumed innocent under our laws. We look forward to a prompt resolution of this case.”
Hurwitz sent a note to his employees:
Folks…
Obviously the recent events have caused a great deal of embarrassment to everybody.We are working to resolve this…I only ask that you don’t pass judgment until that day.
But, until then, this is not a matter that concerns our business and please soldier on as usual, doing the great jobs that have made us who we are…and I say WE because who we are is not just about me.
I am, however…VERY sorry for any embarrassment & stress this is causing any of you.
The police say that “Due to statements Hurwitz made during conversations with the victim about having similar arrangements with other women, investigators believe that there may be additional victims” and that anyone with more information should call 240-773-5958.
Andrew Beaujon joined Washingtonian in late 2014. He was previously with the Poynter Institute, TBD.com, and Washington City Paper. He lives in Del Ray.
