Several artists have left the Wasserman talent agency following the release of Jeffrey Epstein case files that revealed flirtatious emails between agency CEO Casey Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell from 2003. Wasserman expressed regret over the correspondence, stating it occurred long before Maxwell's crimes came to light. The backlash has prompted calls for his resignation and agency rebranding.
The controversy began on February 5, 2026, when Best Coast frontwoman Bethany Cosentino posted on Instagram, criticizing Wasserman's association with Maxwell and demanding his resignation, a name change for the agency, and removal of her band's listing from the website. "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," Cosentino wrote. She emphasized that staying silent was not an option, especially given protections often afforded to men in power.
By February 9, Chappell Roan announced her departure via Instagram Stories, stating, "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." Roan, previously represented by agents including Jackie Nalpant, highlighted the need for accountability and leadership that earns trust. That same day, Beach Bunny expressed disappointment, calling Wasserman's actions "abhorrent and disturbing" and urging his removal from the agency.
On February 10, Orville Peck confirmed his exit, writing, "In light of the recent findings regarding Casey Wasserman, I have made the decision to no longer be represented by the Wasserman talent agency." Other acts followed: Dropkick Murphys stated they had left, noting, "It saddens us to part ways with [our agents], but the namesake of the agency is in the Epstein files so…we GONE." Water From Your Eyes' Rachel Brown condemned Wasserman's apology as meaningless amid the violence linked to Epstein and Maxwell, indicating they were exploring options while trusting their agents. Wednesday began the process of leaving, hoping for Wasserman's step down and rebranding. Sylvan Esso also departed, describing the actions as "so reprehensible that we can no longer allow our work to have any association with him or his name."
Sleigh Bells' Alexis Krauss offered a nuanced view on February 9, stating she would not leave despite wanting to, due to respect for her agent. "The agents at Wasserman are not the villains," she wrote, calling for systemic change and greater regulation rather than individual artists bearing the burden.
Wasserman responded, saying, "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light." He clarified no personal or business relationship with Epstein beyond a 2002 humanitarian trip with the Clinton Foundation. The agency, which represents artists like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, SZA, Lorde, and Kenny Chesney, removed its roster from its website on February 8. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn called for Wasserman's resignation from the 2028 Olympics organizing committee, citing distraction from preparations.
No charges have been filed against Wasserman, who is the grandson of Hollywood agent Lew Wasserman. The agency expanded in 2021 by acquiring Paradigm's music clients.
