Artists Depart Wasserman Music Agency After CEO's Epstein Ties Revealed

Fallout continues as more artists leave the agency over CEO's past associations

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The music industry is facing a reckoning as the fallout from the recently released Epstein files continues to unfold. Casey Wasserman, founder and CEO of Wasserman Agency, is at the center of a growing storm after the emergence of flirtatious emails exchanged with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. This has triggered a wave of artist departures and internal upheaval, raising critical questions about accountability and ethical representation within the industry.

Why it matters

The Wasserman case reflects a broader reckoning within the entertainment industry regarding associations with individuals implicated in abuse and exploitation. The release of the Epstein files has served as a catalyst, forcing agencies and artists to confront difficult questions about ethical responsibility and the consequences of past associations.

The details

The initial shockwaves began with pop star Chappell Roan announcing her departure from Wasserman on February 9th. This decision was quickly followed by similar announcements from bands like Dropkick Murphys, Water From Your Eyes, and Sylvan Esso. Rock band Wednesday also left the agency, acknowledging the integrity of their team but stating that remaining with a company led by Wasserman was incompatible with their values. The discontent isn't limited to those actively leaving, as Salute, a Manchester-based DJ represented by Wasserman, publicly expressed a desire to depart, and Beach Bunny called for Wasserman's removal from the agency.

  • On February 9th, 2026, pop star Chappell Roan announced her departure from Wasserman Agency.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The founder and CEO of Wasserman Agency, who is at the center of the controversy after the emergence of flirtatious emails exchanged with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003.

Chappell Roan

A pop star who announced her departure from Wasserman Agency on February 9th, 2026.

Dropkick Murphys

A band that announced their departure from Wasserman Agency following the revelations about the CEO's past associations.

Water From Your Eyes

A band that announced their departure from Wasserman Agency following the revelations about the CEO's past associations.

Sylvan Esso

A band that announced their departure from Wasserman Agency following the revelations about the CEO's past associations.

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What they’re saying

“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 at Wasserman Agency reflects a broader reckoning within the entertainment industry regarding associations with individuals implicated in abuse and exploitation. The release of the Epstein files has served as a catalyst, forcing agencies and artists to confront difficult questions about ethical responsibility and the consequences of past associations.