Casey Wasserman, chairman and CEO of the Wasserman talent and marketing agency, has announced his decision to sell the company. This move follows the public disclosure of his email communications from 2003 with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, which led to the departure of several clients, including pop artist Chappell Roan and US women's soccer star Abby Wambach.
Mr. Wasserman stated to staff that he had become a "distraction" to the agency's operations.
Agency Sale and Leadership Transition
Mr. Wasserman announced his intent to sell the agency on Friday, citing the impact of "past personal mistakes" on the company. He communicated to staff that his continued involvement had become a "distraction."
Mike Watts, the company's president, is set to manage day-to-day business operations.
Mr. Wasserman will maintain his role as chair for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games committee. The LA28 committee recently voted to retain him after a review concluded that his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell did not exceed previously documented public information.
Client Departures
The public exposure of Mr. Wasserman's communications with Ghislaine Maxwell resulted in several clients severing ties with the agency.
Pop artist Chappell Roan announced her departure on Monday via Instagram, stating:
"As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman. 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."
Other notable clients who have departed or commented include US women's soccer star Abby Wambach, the Dropkick Murphys, John Summit, Orville Peck, Weyes Blood, Bethany Cosentino, and the indie group Wednesday.
Casey Wasserman's Statements and Background
The email communications between Mr. Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, dating from 2003, were among files related to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, released by the U.S. Department of Justice late last month. Mr. Wasserman was married at the time of these exchanges.
Mr. Wasserman has issued apologies for his past correspondence with Maxwell, stating that these communications occurred two decades ago, prior to her or Epstein's criminal activities becoming publicly known. He has denied having a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement to his agency's staff, he apologized for any discomfort his past actions caused clients and partners.
Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein Case Context
Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, handed down in 2021, for sex trafficking of a minor. She was arrested in 2020 following accusations by federal prosecutors of recruiting and grooming girls for sexual encounters with Epstein between 1994 and 2004.
Jeffrey Epstein, a financier, pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution charges, including soliciting an underage girl. His death in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 was officially ruled a suicide. The Justice Department's release of numerous internal documents related to Epstein has reportedly revealed his connections to various individuals.
Mr. Wasserman joins other business figures who have resigned or stepped down due to their connections with Epstein or Maxwell, including former top Goldman Sachs lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler and attorney Brad Karp.