- According to the latest batch of the Jeffrey Epstein files released by the Justice Department, Wasserman Agency founder and CEO Casey Wasserman had been exchanging emails with convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell.
- Chappell Roan, who had signed with the agency amid her meteoric rise in the music scene, revealed she is leaving the agency after this revelation.
- “The Giver” singer penned an official statement announcing her departure on her Instagram Stories on Monday, Feb. 9.
As the Department of Justice releases more batches of the Jeffrey Epstein files, more figures are being outed for their involvement in the controversy. In the latest drop from January 30, it was revealed that Wasserman Agency founder and CEO, Casey Wasserman, had been exchanging emails with convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. Since the revelation was made public, several Wasserman clients—including Grammy winner Chappell Roan—have dropped the agency.
“As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman. I hold my teams to the highest standards and have a duty to protect them as well,” Chappell wrote in a statement posted to her Instagram Stories on Monday, February 9.
“The Giver” singer, who has long advocated for better health insurance and treatment of artists and musicians, added, “No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values. I have deep respect and appreciation for the agents and staff who work tirelessly for their artists and I refuse to passively stand by.”
She continued, “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.”
Chappell’s exit comes after indie musicians Wednesday, Water From Your Eyes, Beach Bunny, and Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino vowed to leave the company. Other Wasserman Group clients include Lorde, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Raye, SZA, Joni Mitchell, Janelle Monáe, Geese, Cameron Winter, and Tyler, the Creator, who are still on the company’s roster as of February 10.
In the emails, Ghislaine allegedly offered to give Casey a massage. He hasn’t yet been charged with any wrongdoing by the DOJ, and on February 8, he released a statement to The New York Times claiming he “never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.”
“I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light,” he wrote.
Amid the backlash, Casey has also been called to step down as the Chairman and President of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
“Having him represent us on the world stage distracts focus from our athletes and the enormous effort needed to prepare for 2028,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn told the Los Angeles Times.
Three other Los Angeles City Council members, Senator Lena Gonzalez, and County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, have asked Casey to resign as well.
“LA28 has lauded the likelihood of having more women participate in the Olympic and Paralympic Games than ever before in history,” Lindsey told the outlet. “What does that mean when the organization is led by an intimate friend of a convicted human trafficker? Now is the time for LA28 to demonstrate how much they truly value women.”
