Sorrell: Ouster from WPP like ‘being hit by a bus’

CANNES — Martin Sorrell said getting ousted from powerhouse ad agency WPP because of some “fanciful” rumor was like “being hit by a bus.”

In his first extensive comments since he was forced in April from the agency he helped build, Sorrell also lashed out at the leak that helped grease the skids.

“The most damaging thing that happened during the course of those events . . . was the leak over the Easter weekend at the very top of the company, and which to my knowledge there has been no investigation whatsoever,” he said during a side event at the Cannes Lions Festival here.

The Wall Street Journal reported in April that WPP’s board was investigating allegations that then-chief executive Sorrell’s personal behavior was improper.

The board was also looking into allegations that Sorrell, one of the most powerful people in advertising, misused company assets, the Journal reported.

Earlier this month, details on WPP’s investigation of Sorrell’s alleged misconduct came to light and included the ad boss’ alleged use of company funds to pay a prostitute.

Sorrell has several times “strenuously denied” the allegations. He has been sheltered by a nondisclosure agreement and walked away from the company with a $27 million payout, which he intends to use to start his own firm, which he called S4.

This week, the exec is in Cannes to drum up dollars for S4 and is scheduled to speak on a panel with Ken Auletta on Friday. Given the gossipy climate in Cannes, Sorrell must have realized he needed to do some PR on his reputation.

According to reports, Sorrell asked WPP to investigate the circumstance surrounding the leak further.

The executive also brushed aside rumors that he was a “bully,” offering: “Am I the easiest person in the world to get along with? You know that I am difficult, but if it’s a fault to demand or expect excellence, then mea culpa.”