Artists Flee Wasserman Agency After Epstein Files Expose CEO’s Ties

Musicians and their representatives are racing to sever ties with one of the entertainment industry's most influential talent agencies following the release of federal documents that exposed founder Casey Wasserman's relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The exodus marks a significant reckoning for the Wasserman Music Agency, which represents some of the biggest names in music and sports. Multiple artists have begun exploring exit options, with some already making public breaks from the firm, according to people familiar with the situation. The crisis comes as Wasserman, 51, faces mounting pressure to step down from his role as chairman of the Los Angeles Olympic organizing committee ahead of the 2028 Games.

Background

Wasserman built his entertainment empire from scratch, launching his talent and marketing firm in 2002 at a time when sports media was booming and athletes were becoming household names. Over two decades, the agency grew into a powerhouse with approximately 4,000 employees, expanding beyond sports representation into music, television and film production. The firm now represents major musical acts including Kendrick Lamar, Coldplay, Kacey Musgraves and Chappell Roan, alongside professional athletes like Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Wasserman's influence extended beyond the entertainment world. In 2014, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a close friend, tapped him to lead the city's effort to secure the 2028 Olympic Games. Three years later, Los Angeles won the bid, and Wasserman took on the unpaid role of chairman of the LA28 organizing committee, though he receives benefits including travel expenses.

The agency's reputation rested on Wasserman's extensive network of corporate sponsors, politicians and entertainment figures. His connections were viewed by city leaders as essential to making the Olympics a success, particularly given the event's estimated $7 billion price tag and concerns about financial shortfalls affecting local taxpayers.

Key Details

On January 30, the federal government released a cache of files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation that included personal emails between Wasserman and Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors. The messages, exchanged in 2002 and 2003, contained sexually suggestive language between the two.

In one exchange, Wasserman wrote to Maxwell: "I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?" Maxwell responded with flirtatious messages, including references to massages that could "drive a man wild."

Wasserman has clarified that he flew on Epstein's private jet as part of a humanitarian delegation with the Clinton Foundation in 2002, not for personal reasons. He stressed that he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein and was not involved in any of the financier's wrongdoings.

"I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light," Wasserman said in a statement. "I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them."

The Artist Response

Bethany Cosentino, co-founder of the rock band Best Coast and a Wasserman client since 2021, posted an open letter on social media rejecting Wasserman's apology as insufficient. She called his response "damage control" and criticized the entertainment industry's pattern of forgiving powerful men who maintain control over resources and access.

"We are tired of learning, over and over, that men who control access, resources, money and so-called safety in our industry are given endless grace," Cosentino wrote. "This letter is my public refusal to accept that this is 'just how things are.'"

Cosentino announced she was removing herself and Best Coast from the Wasserman agency's roster, stating she would remain with her individual agent in the "Sam Hunt business." She called for Wasserman to step down and for the agency to change its name.

The band Wednesday also announced plans to sever ties with the agency, stating that Wasserman's involvement "goes against our values."

Previously, Billie Eilish had left the agency following separate reports of alleged sexual misconduct allegations involving Wasserman.

What This Means

The crisis threatens the stability of one of entertainment's most powerful firms at a critical moment. Wasserman's agency controls the careers and earning potential of thousands of artists and athletes, making defections particularly damaging to its business model and reputation.

For Wasserman personally, the fallout extends beyond the music industry. Local politicians have called for his removal from the LA28 organizing committee. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said his continued involvement is a distraction from the Olympics preparation.

"Having him represent us on the world stage distracts focus from our athletes and the enormous effort needed to prepare for 2028," Hahn said.

Olympic leaders and the LA28 board have not yet made a public decision about Wasserman's future, though sources indicate he retains their support for now. However, the pressure is mounting as more artists and industry figures reassess their relationships with the agency.

The situation reflects broader questions within the entertainment industry about accountability, power dynamics and how institutions handle scandals involving influential figures. It also raises practical concerns about what happens to artist contracts, representation and business relationships if major changes occur at the agency's leadership level.