Chappell Roan has officially left the Wasserman talent agency, becoming the most prominent artist to depart following revelations about its founder’s past communications with Ghislaine Maxwell. The move signals a growing rebellion among musicians and bands represented by the powerful agency.
Pop star Chappell Roan announced on Monday, February 9, 2026, that she was ending her relationship with Wasserman, the agency led by Casey Wasserman. Her decision came days after the U.S. Justice Department released documents, commonly called the Epstein files, which included flirtatious email exchanges between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell from 2003. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse minors.
Roan did not mention Epstein or Maxwell by name in her statement but made her position clear. She posted on Instagram, “As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman“. She added that artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and that “meaningful change in our industry requires accountability”.
What the Released Documents Revealed
The latest release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein included personal emails from spring 2003. In one exchange, Maxwell told Wasserman she had been thinking of him “at inappropriate moments”. Wasserman responded, “I think of you all the time… So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?“.
Other emails show Wasserman, whose wife was eight months pregnant at the time, asking Maxwell about booking a “massage” during a trip to New York. The correspondence occurred years before Maxwell’s and Epstein’s crimes were publicly known.
Casey Wasserman issued an apology on January 31, 2026, after the documents became public. He stated, “I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light“. He has consistently denied having any personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Wasserman also acknowledged being on a humanitarian trip to Africa in 2002 aboard Epstein’s plane as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation. He said it was the only time he met Epstein and that he “never witnessed anything inappropriate” during the trip.
A Growing List of Artists Taking a Stand
Chappell Roan is not alone. In the days following the document release, several other artists represented by Wasserman have spoken out or left the agency.
- Best Coast’s frontwoman, Bethany Cosentino, published an open letter on February 6 calling for Wasserman to step down. She wrote, “As an artist represented by Wasserman, I did not consent to having my name or my career tied to someone with this kind of association to exploitation”.
- The rock band Beach Bunny demanded Wasserman remove himself and his name from the agency, stating they were “hugely disappointed and disgusted”.
- The band Wednesday said they were “aghast” and had started “the process of extracting ourselves from Wasserman”.
- The Irish-American punk band Dropkick Murphys posted simply, “the namesake of the agency is in the Epstein files so … we GONE”.
- Other artists who have announced their departure include Orville Peck, Sylvan Esso, and Water From Your Eyes.
Some artists have expressed a more complicated position. Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells stated that while she wished she could leave, the financial impact on her band and her loyalty to their specific agent made it difficult. “The agents at Wasserman are not the villains,” she wrote.
Who Are Casey Wasserman’s High-Profile Clients?
The Wasserman agency represents a massive roster of A-list talent across sports, film, and music. The music division, which is at the center of the current controversy, includes some of the biggest names in the industry.
Major music clients reportedly represented by Wasserman include Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, SZA, Lorde, Kacey Musgraves, Kendrick Lamar, and Pharrell. The agency also represents top film and television talent like Brad Pitt, Adam Sandler, and Florence Pugh, following its acquisition of Brillstein Entertainment Partners in 2023.
As of early February 2026, most of these major stars have not made public statements regarding the controversy. However, reports indicate that competing agencies are actively trying to recruit clients away from the embattled firm. The agency has also removed the public list of artists it represents from its website.
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Internal Pressure and Calls for Olympic Resignation
The fallout extends beyond artist defections. There is reported internal pressure from within Wasserman’s own company. Some agents are exploring a buyout of the music division to spin it off into an independent agency without the Wasserman name.
Furthermore, Casey Wasserman’s high-profile role as Chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee has drawn significant scrutiny. Several Los Angeles politicians have called for him to step down from the Olympic role.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath questioned, “What does that mean when the organization is led by an intimate friend of a convicted human trafficker?”. However, the International Olympic Committee has indicated it does not plan to get involved in the matter. When asked, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said, “Casey has put out a statement. I have nothing further to add on that”.
The controversy presents a major challenge for Wasserman, who is the grandson of Hollywood mogul Lew Wasserman and has built his namesake company into a powerhouse over more than two decades. With the 2028 Olympics approaching and his core music business under threat, the pressure for a resolution continues to build.
Also Read: Casey Wasserman Faces Professional Fallout After Epstein File Release and Affair Allegations
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