Casey Wasserman, the prominent Hollywood talent agent and former chair of the LA28 Olympic Committee, announced on Friday he is selling his agency, Wasserman, following renewed scrutiny over his past interactions with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. The decision comes amid an exodus of clients from the agency, sparked by the release of documents detailing email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell.
In a memo to the agency’s 4,000 employees, Wasserman expressed regret for the “discomfort” his “past personal mistakes” have caused. “It’s not fair to you, and it’s not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about,” he wrote, acknowledging the pain experienced by the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell. He reiterated that his correspondence with Maxwell occurred over two decades ago, before the extent of her crimes was known.
The timing of Wasserman’s announcement follows the publication of emails by the Justice Department in January as part of a larger cache of files related to Epstein. The correspondence, dating back to 2003, included messages that have drawn criticism for their suggestive nature. In one email, Wasserman reportedly asked Maxwell, “What do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Another message inquired about booking a massage, with Maxwell responding with a provocative exchange.
Despite the controversy, Wasserman maintains he had no personal or business relationship with Epstein beyond a single encounter on a humanitarian trip to Africa in 2003, an event organized by the Clinton Foundation. The LA28 organizing committee recently reviewed Wasserman’s past interactions with Maxwell and determined that his involvement did not extend beyond the documented exchanges and that he had fully cooperated with their investigation. He will remain chairman of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
However, the fallout from the released documents has clearly impacted Wasserman’s agency. Several artists have publicly announced their departures in recent days. Chappell Roan, in an Instagram post on Tuesday, stated she would no longer be working with Wasserman, emphasizing the importance of aligning business arrangements with personal moral values. Roan did not specifically reference the Epstein-related documents in her statement.
Roan is not alone. Country music singer-songwriter Orville Peck, rock band Wednesday, and singer-songwriter Weyes Blood have also announced their exits from the agency. Former US football player Abby Wambach also stated she was leaving, citing a need to follow her “gut and values.” These departures signal a significant loss of talent for Wasserman, and underscore the sensitivity surrounding the allegations and the agency’s association with Maxwell.
Wasserman founded his agency 24 years ago, building it into a major player representing high-profile musicians and athletes. The agency’s client roster has not been publicly updated to reflect the recent departures. The sale of the agency marks a significant turning point for Wasserman, who has been a prominent figure in both the entertainment and sports industries.
The decision to sell comes as the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the broader implications of the Epstein scandal. The revelations have prompted increased scrutiny of relationships between powerful figures and Maxwell, and have led to calls for greater accountability. While Wasserman has not been accused of wrongdoing, the controversy has undeniably damaged his reputation and created a challenging environment for his agency.
The future of Wasserman remains uncertain. While he will continue to lead the LA28 Olympic Committee, the sale of his agency represents a significant shift in his career trajectory. The agency’s new ownership will face the challenge of rebuilding trust with clients and navigating the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the lasting consequences of association, even in cases where no criminal activity is alleged.
The agency’s sale is expected to be a complex process, given its size and prominence within the industry. Potential buyers have not yet been identified, and the timeline for the transaction remains unclear. The outcome will likely have ripple effects throughout the entertainment and sports worlds, as the industry continues to assess the impact of the Epstein scandal and its aftermath.
