LOS ANGELES, February 10, 2026 — Pop star Chappell Roan is the latest artist to sever ties with Wasserman Music following the surfacing of emails between the agency’s founder and CEO, Casey Wasserman, and Ghislaine Maxwell in documents released from the Epstein files. The fallout signals a growing crisis for the powerful talent agency as artists grapple with the implications of Wasserman’s past correspondence.
Artists Flee Wasserman Amid Epstein Files Revelation
A wave of departures and public statements are rocking the talent agency after emails linked its CEO to Ghislaine Maxwell.
- Roan announced her departure on Monday, February 9th, joining a growing list of artists distancing themselves from Wasserman.
- The controversy stems from emails between Wasserman and Maxwell that appeared in files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes.
- Wasserman has apologized for the emails, acknowledging a humanitarian trip with the Clinton Foundation on Epstein’s plane in 2002.
- Some artists are calling for Wasserman to step down and the agency to be rebranded.
- The agency has removed its artist roster from its website in response to the backlash.
Roan shared her decision on Instagram Stories, 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.”
Roan’s announcement followed similar moves by bands like Dropkick Murphys, Water From Your Eyes, and Sylvan Esso, as well as public criticism from Sleigh Bells and Beach Bunny. Rock band Wednesday also confirmed their departure, stating that while they valued their team at the agency, “continuing to be represented by a company led by and named after Casey Wasserman goes against our values and cannot continue.” They expressed hope that Wasserman would step down and the company would be rebranded.
What is the nature of Wasserman’s connection to Maxwell? Wasserman admitted to sending “flirtatious” emails to Maxwell in 2003, but has denied any personal or professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein beyond a “humanitarian trip” taken with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 aboard Epstein’s plane. He has publicly apologized for any association with either individual.
Manchester-based Austrian DJ salute voiced their concerns on X, stating, “I’m looking to leave Wassermann btw, and if you’re on their roster you should chat to your agent about doing the same.” Chicago band Beach Bunny echoed this sentiment on Instagram, demanding that Wasserman remove himself and his name from the agency, stating that continued representation is “against our values.”
Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino was among the first to publicly challenge Wasserman, publishing an open letter on February 5th. 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. Staying quiet isn’t something I can do in good conscience — especially in a moment when men in power are so often protected, excused, or allowed to move on without consequence.”
Wasserman issued a public apology days before Cosentino’s statement, expressing “deep regret” for the emails. The correspondence emerged among over three million files released last week by the U.S. Justice Department related to Epstein and Maxwell’s crimes.
According to reports, internal discussions are underway within the Wasserman Group to potentially buy out the company’s founder and rebrand the agency. However, Sleigh Bells’ Alexis Krauss cautioned against viewing the agents as culpable, writing on Instagram, “The agents at Wasserman are not the villains.” Krauss emphasized the need for systemic change and accountability at the highest levels of power, suggesting that individual artist departures may not be enough to effect meaningful change.
In response to the growing controversy, Wasserman Music has removed its artist roster from its website, replacing it with a contact form, a change first noted by United Musicians & Allied Workers on Instagram today.
