The flight from IMG Artists is starting to look like a panic rush.

Last night, ex-IMG vice-president Charlotte Lee launched her own firm. She is taking with her Itzhak Perlman, Nicky Benedetti and several other artists. Lee, 38, is the latest boutique spinoff from the disintegrating, fraudster-owned mega-agency.

The lose of Perlman is a crushing blow to an agency that aspired to prestige and world leadership. Perlman was the first superstar to join the start-up 25 years ago. Although no longer a huge earner, he added cachet to the brand.  ‘Symbolically, as well as financially, Perlman’s departure is huge,’ comments one insider. Without Itzhak, IMG will struggle to sign new string players.

Statement by Charlotte: Lee’s vision for Primo Artists is to set it apart through its personalized approach and unparalleled working relationships within the music industry. With its selective roster of some of the world’s finest classical artists, from rising stars to household names, and ideals based on exceptional service, strategic vision and expertise, Primo Artists is established to become one of the leading artist management agencies in North America. www.primoartists.com

We observed yesterday that the arrest of the artistic director of the Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia was scandalous, heavy-handed and conceivably in breach of the European human rights convention.

The government of Valencia now appears to agree. In an extraordinary attack on the prosecuting authorities, the president of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra, said that the police action at the Palau de les Arts has been “unnecessary”, “excessive” and “disproportionate” as well as damaging to the image of Valencia .

Helga herself is said to be calm but upset. Sources close to her said that the police were acting on information that had been in their possession for two years, originating from a disaffected former employee.