Casey Wasserman to Divest Talent Agency Following Epstein Document Revelations
In a dramatic development, Casey Wasserman, a prominent Hollywood talent agent representing stars like Chappell Roan, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Kendrick Lamar, has announced the sale of his eponymous agency. This decision comes after communications with Ghislaine Maxwell were exposed in the recent US justice department release of investigative documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Wasserman, the son of legendary Hollywood dealmaker Lew Wasserman, stated late on Friday that he is placing his talent and marketing firm on the market. He cited the detrimental impact of past personal mistakes and informed staff that he had become a distraction to the company's operations. The Wall Street Journal first reported these details.
Client Exodus and Olympic Role Under Scrutiny
The agency faced a significant client rebellion after suggestive emails from 2003 between Wasserman and Maxwell were made public. In one exchange, Wasserman remarked, I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit? Maxwell responded by offering a massage that could drive a man wild, adding, All that rubbing – are you sure you can take it? The thought frankly is leaving me a little breathless. Another message inquired about foggy conditions for a visit so Wasserman could float naked down the beach.
Following the disclosure, several high-profile clients severed ties with the agency. Grammy winner Chappell Roan and US women's soccer icon Abby Wambach were among those who departed. Roan emphasized in a statement that no artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values. She stressed that artists deserve representation aligned with their values, safety, and dignity, highlighting the need for accountability in the industry.
Other clients who left or spoke out include the Dropkick Murphys, John Summit, Orville Peck, Weyes Blood, Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, and the indie group Wednesday.
Apology and Review of LA28 Olympic Position
Wasserman issued an apology, expressing regret for his correspondence with Maxwell, which occurred over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light. He clarified that he never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Despite the controversy, the committee organizing the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles unanimously voted to retain Wasserman as chair. The LA28 board stated it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and is committed to thoroughly reviewing any leadership concerns. They noted that Wasserman fully cooperated with the review and found his relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not extend beyond publicly documented information.
Wasserman announced that company president Mike Watts will oversee daily operations while he focuses on delivering an Olympic Games worthy of Los Angeles. He expressed deep remorse to staff, acknowledging that his past mistakes caused discomfort and were unfair to them and their clients.
Broader Implications in Business and Legal Circles
Wasserman joins a growing list of business figures who have resigned or stepped down due to connections with Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, or Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for related offenses.
Notable examples include Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs's top lawyer and former White House counsel to Barack Obama, who described Epstein as an older brother and minimized his sex crimes in emails. Additionally, attorney Brad Karp resigned as chair of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison after thanking Epstein for an unforgettable evening in disclosed correspondence.
This scandal underscores ongoing repercussions from the Epstein case, affecting high-profile individuals across entertainment, sports, and corporate sectors, and raising questions about ethical standards and accountability in leadership roles.
