Top Talent Agency Faces Exodus Over Owner's Epstein Links

Wasserman agency under pressure as artists cut ties over CEO's ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Grammy winner Chappell Roan has announced she is cutting ties with the Wasserman talent and sports agency after its CEO Casey Wasserman's name surfaced in newly released court records related to Jeffrey Epstein. Roan's move has sparked a growing exodus, with other artists like Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino and bands like Water From Your Eyes, Wednesday, Beach Bunny, and the Dropkick Murphys also speaking out against Wasserman and threatening to leave the agency.

Why it matters

The Wasserman agency represents some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Joni Mitchell, and Brad Pitt. The fallout over Wasserman's Epstein links could have major ripple effects across the industry, as artists seek to distance themselves from any association with the disgraced financier.

The details

Newly released court records show that Wasserman exchanged a series of flirtatious, sexually suggestive emails with Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. In one message, Wasserman wrote, "I think of you all the time... So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?" Wasserman has said he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein, but did travel on Epstein's plane in 2002 for a Clinton Foundation humanitarian trip.

  • In 2003, Wasserman exchanged emails with Ghislaine Maxwell that were sexually suggestive.
  • On January 31, 2026, Wasserman issued a statement saying he was "terribly sorry" for associating with Epstein and Maxwell.
  • On February 10, 2026, Chappell Roan announced she was cutting ties with the Wasserman agency.

The players

Chappell Roan

A Grammy-winning artist who has announced she is cutting ties with the Wasserman agency.

Casey Wasserman

The CEO of the Wasserman talent and sports agency, whose name surfaced in court records related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Bethany Cosentino

The lead singer of the band Best Coast, who posted an open letter demanding Wasserman resign.

Ghislaine Maxwell

The associate of Jeffrey Epstein who exchanged sexually suggestive emails with Wasserman in 2003.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier whose ties to Wasserman have sparked the exodus of artists from the agency.

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What they’re saying

“No artist, agent or employee should be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.”

— Chappell Roan (USA Today)

“I think of you all the time... So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?”

— Casey Wasserman (BBC)

“This situation is inexcusable.”

— Bethany Cosentino, Lead singer, Best Coast (Billboard)

What’s next

Local officials in Los Angeles have urged Wasserman to step down as chair of the LA28 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, warning his presence could overshadow preparations for the Games.

The takeaway

The fallout over Wasserman's Epstein links highlights the growing scrutiny and accountability that high-profile figures are facing for any association with the disgraced financier, even tangential ones. This case underscores the importance for entertainment industry leaders to uphold the highest ethical standards and values.