Casey Wasserman to sell talent agency following fallout from Epstein records

Casey Wasserman, founder and CEO of the global talent agency Wasserman, said he is selling the company following fallout over his past contacts with Ghislaine Maxwell and newly released records tied to Jeffrey Epstein.

The announcement was made in a memo to staff on Friday evening. “I believe that I have become a distraction to those efforts. That is why I have begun the process of selling the company, an effort that is already underway,” Wasserman wrote.

“During this time, Mike Watts will assume day-to-day control of the business while I devote my full attention to delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028 that is worthy of this outstanding city,” Wasserman added in the memo.

The announcement followed days of pressure from high-profile clients. Artists including Chappell Roan, Bbno$, and Orville Peck said they were leaving the agency or would do so if Wasserman did not step down.

Electronic music acts John Summit, Odesza, Seven Lions, Above & Beyond, Subtronics, Rezz, and Louis the Child were also among those distancing themselves.

Wasserman serves as chairman of the LA28 organizing committee, which is overseeing the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The committee voted unanimously earlier this week to keep him in the role, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The controversy follows the recent release of hundreds of thousands of records by the Justice Department related to the Epstein investigation. The Wall Street Journal reported that the documents included flirtatious 2003 email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell.

The outlet reported that Wasserman and his then-wife flew on Epstein’s private jet in 2002 during a trip to visit HIV/AIDS project sites in Africa with Maxwell, former President Bill Clinton and others.

Wasserman founded the agency in 2002. It has since grown into one of the largest firms in sports and entertainment, representing athletes, musicians and actors, and handling marketing and brand deals for major companies.