Chappell Roan has ended her relationship with Wasserman Music, the talent agency founded by Casey Wasserman, following renewed scrutiny of Wasserman’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Roan announced the decision Monday in a social media post, stating she holds her teams “to the highest standards” and has a “duty to protect them.”
“No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values,” Roan wrote. “I have deep respect and appreciation for the agents and staff who perform tirelessly for their artists and I refuse to passively stand by. Artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and supports their safety and dignity. This decision reflects my belief that meaningful change in our industry requires accountability and leadership that earns trust.”
Roan was represented at Wasserman by Jackie Nalpant, Kiely Mosiman, Adele Slater, and Anna Bewers. It remains unclear whether those agents will also depart the agency.
Roan’s departure marks the most prominent exit from Wasserman since the release of recent court documents detailing Epstein’s associates. Last year, Billie Eilish left the agency following separate allegations of sexual misconduct within Wasserman, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The latest controversy stems from newly released federal documents that reveal Wasserman’s correspondence with Maxwell and his presence on Epstein’s private plane during a trip to Africa in 2002 with the Clinton Foundation. Wasserman has acknowledged the correspondence and the flight, stating he “deeply regret[s]” his interactions with Maxwell, which occurred before her crimes were known. He maintains he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein.
In messages to Maxwell, Wasserman reportedly wrote about escalating a massage into sexual contact, according to reports. Maxwell responded with suggestive language, as detailed in the newly surfaced communications.
The revelations have prompted calls for Wasserman to step down from his role as chair of Los Angeles’ 2028 Olympics committee. L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn publicly stated that Wasserman’s continued involvement “distracts focus from our athletes and the enormous effort needed to prepare for 2028.”
Other artists represented by Wasserman include Kendrick Lamar, Coldplay, and Tyler, the Creator. However, industry observers anticipate further departures from the agency in the wake of the Epstein disclosures. Bethany Cosentino, founder of the band Best Coast, left Wasserman last week, citing a pattern of “men who control access, resources, money and so-called safety in our industry” being granted leniency.
Wasserman, a significant figure in both sports and entertainment, has issued a statement expressing remorse for his association with Maxwell and Epstein, but has not addressed the calls for his removal from the Olympic committee.
