Chappell Roan among acts to drop Wasserman talent agency amid Epstein files backlash

Chappell Roan, photo by Taylor Hill/Getty

Chappell Roan has dropped her talent agency after its CEO faced backlash for his email correspondence with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell over 20 years ago.

The singer-songwriter had been represented by the Los Angeles-based company Wasserman, which was founded by 2028 Olympics chief Casey Wasserman.

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Earlier this month, Wasserman said he “deeply regrets” emails from 2003 between him and Maxwell, claiming that they were sent “long before her horrific crimes came to light”.

The messages had featured in the latest government files on the late child sex offender and human trafficker Jeffrey Epstein (via The Guardian).

Wasserman’s emails were flirtatious in nature, with one reading: “I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Maxwell also offered to give Wasserman – who was married at the time – a massage that can “drive a man wild”.

Writing on Instagram Stories last night (Monday February 9), Roan wrote: “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.”

 

She continued: “I have deep respect and appreciation for the agents and staff who work tirelessly for their artists and I refuse to passively stand by.

“Artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and supports their safety and dignity. This decision reflects my belief that meaningful change in our industry requires accountability and leadership that earns trust.”

Elsewhere, US band Water From Your Eyes have said they now have “no interest in being affiliated with Casey Wasserman”, and that his “PR apologies mean nothing in the wake of violence against women and children caused by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their accomplices”.

“There must be accountability for the atrocities committed by the ruling class,” they wrote. “We cannot live in a world that allows for this injustice to occur with no consequence.” The group had been represented by the Wasserman agency since 2024.

Wednesday, meanwhile, have confirmed their departure from the agency as well. “Given the circumstances we feel strongly that we need to begin the process of extracting ourselves from Wasserman,” the band wrote on Instagram.

“Continuing to be represented by a company led by and named after Casey Wasserman goes against our values and cannot continue.” You can read their full statement in the post above.

Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells, who are represented by Wasserman, has announced that the duo will not leave the company. Citing the financial impact the decision would have on them, the frontwoman said: “Do I wish I could burn it all down, boycott and divest? Sure I do? But to be totally honest I can’t afford to. My band can’t afford to.”

Maxwell was convicted on five counts of sex trafficking and abuse of minors in 2021. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Epstein was arrested in July 2019 for sex trafficking, and was found dead in his jail cell in August of that year. Authorities later determined that he hanged himself.

Wasserman also claimed that he “never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein” in his statement regarding the emails from the files.

“As is well documented, I went on a humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 on the Epstein plane,” he wrote. “I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”

The Wasserman company is a sports and talent agency that also represents the likes of Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar and Lorde. It reps major actors such as Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler, too, as well as some big players in football, basketball and baseball.

Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino – who has been represented by Wasserman since its expansion into music in 2021 – recently implored Casey Wasserman to step down after he appeared in the Epstein files.

In 2024, Billie Eilish dropped Casey Wasserman – who was her live booking agent – after allegations emerged that he had affairs with many of his female employees (via The Independent).

Meanwhile, Chappell Roan has responded to those who have criticised the NSFW red carpet outfit she wore to the Grammys last weekend. She was nominated for Record Of The Year and Best Solo Performance for her single ‘The Subway’.

For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.

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