Wasserman Agency CEO Announces Sale Amid Epstein Backlash

Casey Wasserman to step down as agency head to focus on 2028 LA Olympics

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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After several of his agency's clients left the company and amid backlash over his inclusion in the Epstein files, CEO Casey Wasserman announced he would sell the Wasserman Agency. Wasserman apologized for his flirtatious relationship with Jeffrey Epstein's former partner Ghislaine Maxwell, which lasted from 2001 to 2003. Despite the controversy, the LA Olympics committee has stood by Wasserman, who remains chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Organizing Committee.

Why it matters

The Wasserman Agency is one of the largest sports and entertainment agencies in the world, representing high-profile clients in the music, sports, and entertainment industries. Wasserman's ties to the Epstein scandal have caused significant turmoil and client departures, leading him to sell the agency he has led for decades.

The details

In an email to 4,000 employees, Wasserman said he has become a 'distraction' from the company's work and has begun the process of selling the Wasserman Agency. During the transition, Mike Watts will assume day-to-day control of the business while Wasserman focuses on his role as chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

  • On January 30, the latest Epstein files were released, revealing Wasserman's flirtatious relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell from 2001 to 2003.
  • On February 14, 2026, Wasserman announced he would sell the Wasserman Agency.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The CEO of the Wasserman Agency who announced he would sell the company amid backlash over his inclusion in the Epstein files. He remains the chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mike Watts

The executive who will assume day-to-day control of the Wasserman Agency during the transition as the company is sold.

Ghislaine Maxwell

The former partner of Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Wasserman had a flirtatious relationship from 2001 to 2003 according to the Epstein files.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier whose ties to Wasserman through Ghislaine Maxwell have caused significant backlash and led to Wasserman's decision to sell the Wasserman Agency.

LA28 Executive Committee

The committee overseeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which has stood by Wasserman and said he should continue to lead the organizing efforts.

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What they’re saying

“That is why I have begun the process of selling the company, an effort that is already underway. During this time, Mike Watts will assume day-to-day control of the business while I devote my full attention to delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028 that is worthy of this outstanding city.”

— Casey Wasserman, CEO, Wasserman Agency (Vulture)

“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, CEO, Wasserman Agency (Vulture)

“Mr. Wasserman should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games.”

— LA28 Executive Committee (NBC News)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the sale of the Wasserman Agency will determine the timeline and details of the transition as the company is sold.

The takeaway

The Wasserman Agency's ties to the Epstein scandal have caused significant turmoil, leading to the departure of high-profile clients and the CEO's decision to sell the company. However, Wasserman's role leading the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remains intact, underscoring the complex dynamics at play as the sports and entertainment industry grapples with past misconduct.