Casey Wasserman, Hollywood talent agent (clients: Chappell Roan, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar) and LA 2028 Olympics chair, announced on Friday (Feb 13, 2026) he’s selling Wasserman agency. Triggered by US DOJ’s recent Epstein file release exposing his 2003 flirty emails with Ghislaine Maxwell (Epstein’s convicted accomplice, serving 20 years).
Key Email Exchanges (2003):
- Wasserman: “I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?”
- Maxwell: Offered a massage to “drive a man wild,” teased “All that rubbing – are you sure you can take it?” and foggy beach nudity.
Wasserman apologized, calling it “past personal mistakes” over 20 years ago, pre-Maxwell’s crimes known. Denied Epstein ties beyond public docs. Stepping back to focus on Olympics; deputy Mike Watts takes over ops.
Client Backlash and Departures
High-profile exits after disclosures:
| Artist/Athlete | Statement/Reason |
|---|---|
| Chappell Roan (Grammy winner) | “No artist should defend actions conflicting with moral values”; seeks “accountability and trust.” |
| Abby Wambach (US soccer star) | Cut ties (no direct quote). |
| Others: Dropkick Murphys, John Summit, Orville Peck, Weyes Blood, Bethany Cosentino (Best Coast), Wednesday | Publicly departed or spoke out. |
Broader Fallout and Precedents
- LA28 Olympics: Board unanimously retained him post-review; found no new issues beyond public info.
- Similar Cases:FigureRoleEpstein/Maxwell LinkOutcomeKathryn RuemmlerGoldman Sachs top lawyer, ex-Obama counselCalled Epstein “older brother,” downplayed crimes.Resigned.Brad KarpPaul Weiss chairThanked Epstein for “evening I’ll never forget.”Stepped down.
Part of pattern: Epstein’s 2019 death and Maxwell’s conviction keep surfacing fallout for associates. WSJ first reported; article corrected family tie (Lew Wasserman’s grandson). Ties into ongoing Indian political scrutiny from prior Epstein dumps—any links you’re tracking there?
