Casey Wasserman to sell talent agency following Epstein links

Casey Wasserman is selling the Wasserman talent agency, following the publication of documents linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. The documents revealed that Wasserman had flown on Epstein's private plane and exchanged "flirtatious" emails with convicted sex trafficker and Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. This scrutiny has led to significant fallout this week, prompting several high-profile clients, including singer Chappell Roan, to leave the firm.

On Friday, Wasserman announced he has started the process to sell his major LA-based agency, saying in a company-wide email that he had "become a distraction."

"I'm deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort," Wasserman wrote. "It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about."

Maxwell was convicted in December 2021 by a federal jury on five counts, including sex trafficking of minors and various conspiracy charges. She received the 20-year sentence in 2022 for sex trafficking and other offenses related to assisting Jeffrey Epstein in the sexual abuse of several teenage girls between 1999 and 2007.

He said his email exchanges with Maxwell "took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light".

LA28 announced earlier this week that Wasserman would continue as chairman of the 2028 Games. Organizers concluded that his relationship with Maxwell did not extend beyond the documented exchanges and noted his full cooperation with the investigation. The board said the journey was long before "Wasserman or the public knew of Epstein and Maxwell's deplorable crimes.”

Recently, several artists have departed from the Wasserman agency.

Chappell Roan confirmed her decision to leave Wasserman in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

“As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman,” said Roan. “Artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and supports their safety and dignity. This decision reflects my belief that meaningful change in our industry requires accountability and leadership that earns trust.”

The indie rock band Wednesday expressed they were “aghast” by Wasserman's inclusion in the Epstein files and wished to end their association with him. They also stated their hope that he would step down “for the sake of his staff.” Similarly, the rock band Beach Bunny voiced being “hugely disappointed and disgusted” by Wasserman's "involvement with Ghislaine Maxwell."