Wasserman to Sell Talent Agency Amid Epstein Fallout

Longtime entertainment executive faces backlash over emails with Ghislaine Maxwell

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Casey Wasserman, the head of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and a prominent Los Angeles entertainment executive, has announced plans to sell his talent agency Wasserman Group after dozens of musicians and performers departed the firm following the release of emails between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime companion of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Why it matters

Wasserman's ties to the Epstein scandal have dealt a major reputational blow, leading to the departure of high-profile clients and raising questions about his continued leadership of the 2028 Olympics. The fallout highlights the risks that public figures face when their past associations with disgraced individuals become public.

The details

In a message to employees, Wasserman apologized for the "personal mistakes" that have caused "discomfort" and announced he would step back from his business interests to focus on the 2028 Olympics. More than two dozen of Wasserman's clients, including musicians like Chappell Roan and Orville Peck, have denounced him or sought other representation in recent days. Wasserman's agency, which represents over 4,000 performers and athletes, was a major acquisition target in 2021 when it bought Paradigm's North American music division.

  • In 2002, Wasserman joined a humanitarian tour of Africa with former President Bill Clinton, where he was photographed with Epstein and Maxwell.
  • In 2003, Wasserman exchanged flirtatious emails with Maxwell, several years before Epstein's first arrest.
  • In 2024, a tabloid report alleged that Wasserman had numerous extramarital affairs, which he denied.
  • On January 30, 2026, the Justice Department released a new trove of documents related to Epstein, including the emails between Wasserman and Maxwell.
  • On February 13, 2026, Wasserman announced he would sell the Wasserman Group talent agency.

The players

Casey Wasserman

A Los Angeles entertainment executive, the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the founder of the Wasserman Group talent agency.

Ghislaine Maxwell

The longtime companion of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for sex trafficking and other charges.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender with sprawling ties to powerful leaders, who died in prison in 2019.

Bill Clinton

The former President of the United States, who invited Wasserman to join a humanitarian tour of Africa in 2002.

Chappell Roan

A Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who announced she would leave Wasserman's agency.

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What they’re saying

“I'm deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort. It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about.”

— Casey Wasserman (nytimes.com)

“Regret without accountability is just damage control.”

— Bethany Cosentino, Frontwoman for indie band Best Coast (nytimes.com)

“I hold my teams to the highest standards. 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-songwriter (nytimes.com)

What’s next

It is unclear whether Wasserman's decision to sell the Wasserman Group will stem the turmoil or spur Olympic organizers to rethink their vote of confidence in him as chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The takeaway

This case highlights the reputational risks that public figures face when their past associations with disgraced individuals become public, and the challenges of maintaining leadership positions in the face of such scandals, even when no direct wrongdoing is alleged.