Morals? Who Cares About Morals? An Examination of Morals Clauses in Talent Contracts and What Talent Needs to Know

Abstract

This article is designed to serve two purposes, one educational and one practical. First, this article explores the parameters of morals clauses in talent contracts and the relevant case law interpreting such clauses. Against this backdrop, this article will shift its focus and explore the specific information (and resulting consequences) of which talent should be aware when agreeing to a contract that includes a morals clause – that is, it will explore what talent should know about such clauses. As a general proposition, talent needs to know that a morals clause is powerful enough to impact important aspects of one’s career, ranging from one’s compensation and continued employment to restrictions upon his or her personal behavior. From a practical perspective, talented individuals who understand this information will be more fully informed about the parameters, effects, and potential consequences of morals clauses in their contracts.

Keywords: morals clause, entertainment law, talent contracts