Wednesday Drops Wasserman Agency Over Epstein Files Link

Indie rock band cites conflict with values after revelations about CEO's past communications with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Indie rock band Wednesday has announced they are leaving Wasserman, a prominent entertainment and sports agency, following the release of documents that revealed flirtatious emails between Wasserman CEO Casey Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein. The band cited a conflict with their values in their decision to depart the agency.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights a growing intolerance within the entertainment industry for associations with individuals linked to Epstein's crimes. It also underscores the difficult position many artists face in balancing ethical principles with the practical realities of sustaining their careers.

The details

The release of the Epstein files sparked immediate backlash, with calls for Wasserman to step down from his position. Other artists represented by Wasserman, including Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino and bands like Beach Bunny and salute, have also threatened to leave the agency. However, Sleigh Bells, another Wasserman client, stated they would remain with the agency due to financial constraints.

  • The Epstein Files and Wasserman's Connection were recently revealed.
  • Wednesday announced their decision to leave Wasserman via an Instagram post.

The players

Wednesday

An indie rock band that has decided to leave the Wasserman agency.

Casey Wasserman

The CEO of the Wasserman entertainment and sports agency, whose past communications with Ghislaine Maxwell have sparked controversy.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein who is currently serving a prison sentence for conspiring with Epstein to sexually exploit underage girls.

Bethany Cosentino

The lead singer of the band Best Coast, who publicly urged Wasserman to resign.

Sleigh Bells

A band represented by Wasserman that has announced they will remain with the agency due to financial constraints.

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What they’re saying

“I can't afford to. My band can't afford to.”

— Alexis Krauss, Member of Sleigh Bells (newsy-today.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This situation reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and accountability within the entertainment industry, with artists increasingly using their platforms to advocate for social and political change. The response from Wednesday and other artists demonstrates the power of artist activism in holding individuals and companies accountable for their actions.