Chappell Roan Cuts Ties With Wasserman as Artists Speak Out Over Founder’s Epstein Links
Chappell Roan has ended her relationship with Wasserman Group, becoming the latest artist to distance herself from the powerful talent agency amid growing backlash surrounding its founder, Casey Wasserman, following the release of newly unsealed Jeffrey Epstein–related documents.
In an Instagram Stories post shared Monday, Feb. 9, Roan confirmed that she is no longer represented by Wasserman, framing the decision as a matter of principle rather than professional convenience. “I hold my teams to the highest standards and have a duty to protect them as well,” she wrote. “No artist, agent, or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.” She added that while she remains grateful to the agents and staff who work at the company, she “refuse[s] to passively stand by.”
Roan’s announcement follows the emergence of emails exchanged between Casey Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex offender and longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein, which were included in the latest tranche of files released by the Justice Department. Wasserman has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein or Maxwell, but the disclosures have intensified scrutiny of his past associations and triggered a wave of unrest inside the agency.
In a statement responding to the revelations, Wasserman acknowledged the correspondence and expressed regret. “I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light,” he told The New York Times. Wasserman has maintained that he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein and has previously said that a 2002 humanitarian trip he took on Epstein’s plane as part of a Clinton Foundation delegation was his only point of contact. He has stated that he did not witness anything inappropriate during that trip and did not communicate with Epstein afterward.
Still, Roan’s decision reflects mounting pressure from artists who have publicly questioned whether Wasserman’s leadership remains tenable. Over the past week, musicians including Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, Wednesday, Water From Your Eyes, and Beach Bunny have also condemned Wasserman’s founder, with some suggesting they may sever ties with the agency entirely. As of Sunday night, Feb. 8, Wasserman Group removed its artist roster from its website, a move that only fueled speculation about internal turmoil.
In her statement, Roan emphasized that her choice was guided by broader concerns about accountability in the music industry. “Artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and supports their safety and dignity,” she wrote, adding that meaningful change requires leadership “that earns trust.” The comments echo themes Roan has increasingly embraced in recent years, including her advocacy for improved healthcare protections and labor conditions for musicians, issues she highlighted during her speech at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
Representatives for Roan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Wasserman declined to comment on Monday, referring reporters to Wasserman’s prior statements.
The controversy has also extended beyond the music business. In Los Angeles, local officials have called on Wasserman to step down as chairman of the organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics. L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement that Wasserman’s continued involvement could become a distraction. “Having him represent us on the world stage detracts from the focus on our athletes and the massive effort required to prepare for the Games,” she said.
Behind the scenes, tensions within Wasserman Group have reportedly been building for months. Several industry sources say senior executives confronted Wasserman previously about his past connections to Epstein, amid reports circulating as early as 2024. According to one person familiar with those discussions, Wasserman assured leadership that no further revelations would emerge. The release of the emails, the source said, left some close associates feeling blindsided.
Founded by Casey Wasserman, the agency has grown rapidly into a major force spanning music, film, television, sports, and brand representation. Its most transformative moment came in 2021, when Wasserman acquired Paradigm’s music division, absorbing many of the agency’s top touring clients while leaving behind its film, TV, and literary arms. The move instantly elevated Wasserman into the top tier of music representation, with clients including Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Dave Matthews Band, and Phish.
Yet the consolidation also created internal strain. Paradigm’s breakup disrupted long-standing professional relationships, and some agents entered the Wasserman fold with uncertainty. “It was a Frankenstein company,” one industry insider says, describing an organization built from multiple units with differing cultures and priorities. Compared with rivals like CAA, WME, and UTA, Wasserman’s relative weakness in film and television has limited its broader Hollywood influence, despite its dominance in live music.
Roan’s exit marks one of the most high-profile departures to date and a signal that, regardless of legal culpability, ethical perception is becoming an increasingly decisive factor in artist representation. As one insider put it, “This isn’t just about emails. It’s about whether artists feel comfortable with who speaks for them.”
