Grammy Winner Chappell Roan Leaves Wasserman Talent Agency After Leader's Epstein Links

Roan cites need to 'protect' her team and 'hold my teams to the highest standards' in departure.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Grammy-winning singer Chappell Roan has left the Wasserman talent agency, led by entertainment executive and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics chair Casey Wasserman, after Wasserman's name appeared in recently released government files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Roan said she has 'deep respect' for the agency's staff but cannot 'passively stand by' given the 'actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values'.

Why it matters

Wasserman's connections to Epstein have sparked outrage and calls for his resignation from the 2028 LA Olympics, raising questions about accountability in the entertainment industry and the vetting of leaders of major events like the Olympics.

The details

Documents released by the Justice Department revealed that in 2003, Wasserman exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later accused of helping Epstein recruit and sexually abuse victims. Wasserman has said he 'deeply regrets' the correspondence, which occurred 'long before her horrific crimes came to light', and that he 'never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein'.

  • In 2003, Wasserman exchanged emails with Ghislaine Maxwell.
  • In 2020, Maxwell was charged with sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year prison sentence.
  • On January 31, 2026, Wasserman responded to the release of the files, stating he 'deeply regrets' his correspondence with Maxwell.
  • On February 11, 2026, Chappell Roan announced she is no longer represented by Wasserman.

The players

Chappell Roan

A Grammy-winning singer who has left the Wasserman talent agency.

Casey Wasserman

The entertainment industry executive who is the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the leader of the Wasserman talent agency.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A woman who was accused of helping Jeffrey Epstein recruit and sexually abuse victims, and exchanged flirtatious emails with Wasserman in 2003.

Jeffrey Epstein

A financier who was accused of sex trafficking and other crimes, and had connections to various public figures.

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What they’re saying

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

— Chappell Roan, Grammy-winning singer (Instagram)

“I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, which occurred long before her horrific crimes came to light. I never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.”

— Casey Wasserman, Entertainment industry executive and chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (Statement)

What’s next

The International Olympic Committee has stated that the structure of the Los Angeles 2028 organizing committee is not something they will get involved in, despite calls for Wasserman to step down as chair.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the entertainment industry, as well as the vetting of leaders of major events like the Olympics, to ensure they uphold the highest moral and ethical standards.