Chappell Roan drops agency over Epstein files link

Chappell Roan has announced that she is no longer represented by the Wasserman talent agency, whose CEO, Casey Wasserman, has come under scrutiny over "flirtatious" email exchanges with convicted sex trafficker and Jeffery Epstein associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Wasserman, who also serves as the chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, has faced calls to resign from his Olympics role after the emails were made public. He has since apologised for his communication with Maxwell following the publication of the emails.

“As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman,” said Roan in a statement on Instagram. “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.”

Previously, 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."

Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison in 2022 for sex trafficking and other charges related to helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse several teenage girls between 1999 and 2007. A federal jury found her guilty in December 2021 of five counts, including sex trafficking of minors and several conspiracy charges.

Wasserman has issued an apology for his association with Maxwell, stating that their relationship occurred before her or Epstein's crimes were exposed. He has denied any relationship with Epstein himself.

In Wasserman's statement, he emphasised that the contact with Maxwell "took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light."

"As is well documented, I went on a humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 on the Epstein plane," he said. "I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them."

Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment at a Congressional hearing on Monday, refusing to answer questions about her crimes with Epstein and potential co-conspirators, unless she is granted clemency by US President Donald Trump.