Wasserman’s Epstein ties cause chaos at his music agency. Artists and staff want him out

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Okay, so things are getting really messy for Casey Wasserman, the head of Wasserman Music. Some pretty disturbing emails connected to the Epstein case have come to light, and now people are calling for him to resign. I’m hearing from folks in the industry – managers, touring pros – that a big shakeup is coming, and fast. We’re already seeing artists like Chappell Roan jump ship, and apparently, even some of his top agents want him gone. Honestly, the buzz is that Wasserman Music might even be up for sale. It feels like a major shift is about to happen, and it’s all unfolding very quickly.

A manager for one of Wasserman’s biggest artists—who isn’t employed by Wasserman and requested to remain anonymous to maintain their professional relationships—told The Times that Wasserman plans to leave the music agency and create a new, independent company with a different name.

Neither representatives for Wasserman nor Providence Equity Partners, a major investor in the company, offered a statement when asked about this matter.

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I’m hearing from some people inside the industry – two high-level execs who didn’t want to be named for fear of damaging their own careers – that things are really tense at Wasserman Music. Apparently, a lot of the artists and their agents are seriously unhappy and are even considering leaving if Wasserman doesn’t make a change soon. These insiders think Wasserman will probably end up selling off his music agency business, which would be a big shakeup.

There’s been no indication that Casey Wasserman plans to sell his sports agency, which he’s led for over 20 years and whose athletes haven’t publicly complained. He’s also under pressure from Los Angeles officials to resign from his position leading the 2028 Olympics, but he hasn’t suggested he will.

According to one music executive, talent agencies are seeing a mass exodus of artists and staff. Senior agents have reportedly pleaded with company leaders, saying they’re on the verge of losing artists and employees. They’ve reached out to Casey and Providence, explaining that they need to be allowed to leave or risk losing everything.

“I think the most likely thing is they end up splitting off the company,” the executive said.

Music

Roan is the most prominent person to leave Wasserman since documents related to Jeffrey Epstein were made public, revealing a close connection between Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein, who was involved in child sex trafficking.

Following the discovery of emails between music executive Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, there have been calls for him to step down from his agency. Wasserman has acknowledged traveling with Epstein and Maxwell on a trip to Africa, which also included former President Clinton, aboard Epstein’s private plane.

Recently released documents from the Department of Justice included messages Maxwell sent twenty years ago, revealing new details about his connection to Epstein.

In a message to Maxwell, who is currently in prison for sex trafficking of children, Wasserman wrote that she envisioned meeting at a familiar location, then continuing with massages in his bed – potentially repeating this both that night and the following morning, with no clear end in sight.

She hesitated, then asked if he was sure he could handle her touch. The idea of it, she admitted, was exciting and a little overwhelming. She playfully suggested she could test a few sensitive spots on him to see what worked, and asked for his feedback.

In a recent statement, Wasserman expressed deep regret for emails she exchanged with Ghislaine Maxwell over twenty years ago, before Maxwell’s crimes were revealed. She stated she never had a personal or professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. She also confirmed that in 2002, she participated in a humanitarian trip organized by the Clinton Foundation, traveling on Epstein’s plane, and apologized for any connection to either of them.

Previously, Wasserman went through a difficult divorce from his wife, Laura Ziffren. Around the same time, The Daily Mail reported claims of improper relationships with employees. The divorce was finalized in 2024. Shortly after these reports, Billie Eilish, one of Wasserman’s biggest clients, ended her relationship with the agency, though it’s not certain if the two events were connected.

California

Recently released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein include private emails between Casey Wasserman, who leads the LA28 Olympics committee, and Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex offender. Wasserman stated on Saturday that he regrets any connection to either individual, explaining the emails were sent before Maxwell’s crimes became public.

Following the release of the documents, prominent artists like Roan – the biggest name to leave so far – announced they could no longer work with Wasserman’s agency due to his connections with Maxwell and Epstein.

I expect a lot from my team, and I also feel responsible for protecting them. No one working with us – whether an artist, agent, or employee – should ever have to excuse or ignore behavior that goes against their own principles. I greatly value the hard work of our agents and staff, and I won’t stay silent. This decision is based on my conviction that real progress in our industry demands responsibility and trustworthy leadership.

This week, other artists like Orville Peck, a singer known for alt-country music, and Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast also either left Wasserman or asked for new management.

Cosentino expressed frustration that people in positions of power within the industry – those who control opportunities, finances, and safety – consistently receive leniency. She also stated that it’s exhausting to be expected to quickly recover from harmful experiences, particularly when the person who caused them still holds authority.

Following recent news about Casey Wasserman, I’ve decided to end my relationship with Wasserman talent agency. I feel for the other agents and staff there, who are now dealing with a difficult situation that affects everyone’s jobs and careers, and I wish them well.

California

LA28’s Casey Wasserman is facing calls to resign. He is not responding.

Wasserman currently represents well-known artists like Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, and Ed Sheeran. However, they recently removed the list of artists they represent from their website. Representatives for artists such as Tyler, the Creator haven’t commented on their plans regarding future representation by the agency.

According to reports in the Wrap and Hollywood Reporter, prominent agents like Duffy McSwiggin and Marty Diamond – who represent artists such as Joni Mitchell and Coldplay – are leading a push for Wasserman to either step down or sell the company. Neither Diamond nor McSwiggin responded to requests for comment.

I’m hearing rumors that the team who manages Phish and Dave Matthews Band might be leaving Wasserman soon. They’ve been incredibly successful for the company, so this could be a big loss. I’ve reached out to representatives for both bands and their manager, but haven’t gotten a response yet, which is a little concerning.

I’ve been watching the music industry shake up lately, and it’s fascinating. Wasserman, traditionally a sports agency, really jumped into the game by acquiring companies like Paradigm starting in 2021. This instantly made them a major player in music, though they’re still building relationships within the industry. What’s really interesting is the fallout – I’m hearing from insiders that firms like UTA and WME are practically scrambling to hire anyone leaving other agencies. It’s a bit of a talent grab right now, and things are clearly in flux.

Although the executives questioned all voiced strong concern for agents affected by the issues surrounding Wasserman’s ties to Epstein, the impact on Wasserman himself has been mostly limited to his professional life and public image.

In a recent Fox 11 interview, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated he’s found no evidence of any wrongdoing by Casey Wasserman. While Mayor Karen Bass hasn’t supported calls for Wasserman to leave the Olympics committee, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn believes he should step down, arguing his continued involvement would be a distraction from the athletes and preparations for the 2028 Games.

Music

Casey Wasserman, who founded an agency and leads the committee organizing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, appears in newly released federal documents connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

Even though Wasserman might find success in sports, his reputation in the music industry, which is generally forward-thinking, may be damaged beyond repair.

This isn’t just about the Epstein allegations, but also the previous accusations of inappropriate relationships. People are understandably upset, and there was even discussion of employees refusing to work or walking out. I get why Casey was hesitant to move forward with it, but considering everything that happened with the Grammys and the ICE issue, the music industry is just too unpredictable.

Wasserman has canceled a planned TV appearance on Telemundo for Thursday. A gala honoring Wasserman, called “The Wallis Delivers: Cheers to the Home Team,” will be held on February 26th at the Wallis performing arts center in Beverly Hills. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Disney CEO Bob Iger are both expected to attend.

Those representing The Wallis didn’t offer any comments regarding the gala. By the time the event starts, Wasserman’s situation might have changed.

One music executive described Wasserman’s connection to Epstein as a significant embarrassment for Los Angeles. They also praised Chappell Roan for taking a stand, noting that neither Mayor Karen Bass nor the Olympics committee have done so. The executive believes this demonstrates musicians are willing to challenge powerful figures, even when others aren’t.

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2026-02-11 22:32