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Singer exits agency led by Epstein-linked executive
Pop artist Chappell Roan announced Tuesday she has severed ties with Wasserman, the talent agency headed by Casey Wasserman, whose 2003 emails to Ghislaine Maxwell surfaced in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Roan cites moral duty in departure
In an Instagram statement, Roan said she had a "duty to protect her team" and that her decision reflected her conviction that "meaningful change in our industry requires accountability." She did not reference Epstein or the files directly.
"No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values."
Chappell Roan, Instagram post
Wasserman's emails spark backlash
Casey Wasserman, who also chairs the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, has faced criticism since flirtatious messages he sent to Maxwell in 2003 were published among millions of documents tied to Epstein. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for recruiting and trafficking underage girls for Epstein's abuse.
Wasserman issued a statement expressing "deep regret" for the correspondence, which he said occurred "long before her horrific crimes came to light." He denied any personal or business relationship with Epstein, noting he joined a 2002 Clinton Foundation delegation on Epstein's plane for a humanitarian trip.
Other artists distance themselves
Roan's exit follows similar moves by two other Wasserman-represented bands. Indie rock group Wednesday called the Epstein files revelations "aghast" and urged Wasserman to resign "for the sake of his staff." Beach Bunny said they were "hugely disappointed and disgusted" by his ties to Maxwell.
No allegations against Wasserman
Wasserman has not been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein's victims, and his inclusion in the files does not suggest criminal conduct. The BBC has sought comment from Wasserman but has not received a response.
