The fallout from revelations about Wasserman agency founder and CEO Casey Wasserman’s communications with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell is rapidly expanding, triggering a wave of artist departures from the powerful talent agency. On Thursday, February 5, Best Coast frontwoman Bethany Cosentino was the first artist to publicly condemn Wasserman’s actions and call for his resignation, igniting a chain reaction that has now ensnared a growing number of musicians.
Cosentino, in an Instagram post, demanded Wasserman step down and the agency change its name, stating she “did not consent to having my name or my career tied to someone with this kind of association to exploitation.” She also requested her band’s name be removed from the company’s website.
Since Cosentino’s initial statement, several other artists, primarily within the indie music scene, have responded. While reactions have varied, the common thread has been either announcing their exit from Wasserman or signaling a potential departure if the agency doesn’t hold its founder accountable. Artists have largely expressed support for their individual agents within the firm.
The most prominent artist to publicly sever ties thus far is Chappell Roan, who announced on Monday, February 9, that she had left the agency. In an Instagram post, Roan emphasized the importance of upholding high standards and protecting her team, stating, “No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.”
The agency represents a roster of major stars including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, SZA, Noah Kahan, Lorde, and Kenny Chesney, raising the question of whether any of these higher-profile acts will follow Roan’s lead.
Orville Peck announced his departure via Instagram on Tuesday, February 10, expressing gratitude to his personal team and compassion for other agents and staff impacted by the situation. Similarly, Dropkick Murphys revealed via Instagram Stories that they had left the agency, stating bluntly, “We GONE.”
Indie artist Rachel Brown of Water From Your Eyes condemned Wasserman’s apology as insufficient, writing on Instagram that “’deepest regrets’ and PR apologies mean nothing in the wake of violence against women, and children.” Brown stated she and her bandmates were seeking clarity on their options for leaving the agency.
Rock band Wednesday announced they were “in the process of extracting ourselves” from Wasserman, hoping for Wasserman’s resignation and a rebranding of the agency. Beach Bunny released a statement on Instagram calling Wasserman’s actions “abhorrent and disturbing” and demanding his removal from the agency.
Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells, while expressing a desire to leave, stated she and her bandmate Derek E. Miller would remain with the agency for now due to their trust in their agent. Krauss argued that systemic change and accountability at higher levels of the industry are needed, rather than placing the burden on individual artists.
Pop duo Sylvan Esso announced their departure, citing the “reprehensible” nature of Wasserman’s actions and expressing concern for their agent, who was previously part of a different company acquired by Wasserman in 2021. Gigi Perez also announced her departure on Tuesday, February 10, via Instagram Stories, emphasizing the demand for accountability and expressing support for the agency’s staff.
More recently, Bully, the project of Alicia Bognanno, announced her immediate departure on Wednesday, February 11, with a blunt statement: “F–k Casey Wasserman.” Chelsea Cutler, also on Tuesday, February 10, cited Wasserman’s “direct involvement with Ghislaine Maxwell” as the reason for cutting ties. Electronic trio Levity announced their departure via Instagram Stories on Wednesday, February 11, stating they “do not stand for the actions of its CEO.”
Weyes Blood (Natalie Laura Mering) announced her departure on Tuesday, February 10, expressing respect for her booking agents and stating Wasserman’s behavior was “fundamentally at odds with everything I value.” Pop-punk group Hot Mulligan indicated on Wednesday, February 11, they would leave if Wasserman remained in a leadership position. DJ Subtronics (Jesse Kardon) also announced his intention to leave on Wednesday, February 11, calling Wasserman’s actions “atrocious” and demanding his resignation.
The Wasserman agency has declined multiple requests for comment on the artist departures.
