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Chappell Roan has ended her relationship with her talent agency following renewed criticism aimed at its CEO over email exchanges with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell that date back more than two decades.
The singer had been signed to the Los Angeles based firm Wasserman, which was established by Olympic chief Casey Wasserman.
Earlier this month, Wasserman said he “deeply regrets” the 2003 emails shared between himself and Maxwell, stating that they were written “long before her horrific crimes came to light”.
The correspondence appeared in newly released government documents connected to the late child sex offender and human trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by The Guardian.
The emails were described as flirtatious, with one message from Wasserman reading: “I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Maxwell also suggested giving Wasserman, who was married at the time, a massage that could “drive a man wild”.
Posting on Instagram Stories on Monday February 9, Roan wrote: “As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman.
“I hold my teams to the highest standards and have a duty to protect them as well. No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.”
She went on to add: “I have deep respect and appreciation for the agents and staff who work 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.”
Elsewhere, US band Water From Your Eyes said they no longer wish to be “affiliated with Casey Wasserman”, adding that his “PR apologies mean nothing in the wake of violence against women and children caused by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their accomplices”.
“There must be accountability for the atrocities committed by the ruling class,” they wrote. “We cannot live in a world that allows for this injustice to occur with no consequence.” The group had been signed to Wasserman since 2024.
Meanwhile, Wednesday also confirmed that they are leaving the agency. “Given the circumstances we feel strongly that we need to begin the process of extracting ourselves from Wasserman,” the band shared on Instagram.
“Continuing to be represented by a company led by and named after Casey Wasserman goes against our values and cannot continue.” Their full statement can be read in the post above.
Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells, who remain represented by Wasserman, announced that the duo would not be departing the company. Speaking about the financial reality of the decision, she said: “Do I wish I could burn it all down, boycott and divest? Sure I do? But to be totally honest I can’t afford to. My band can’t afford to.”
Maxwell was found guilty on five counts related to sex trafficking and the abuse of minors in 2021 and is currently serving a 20 year prison sentence. Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges and was later found dead in his jail cell in August of the same year, with authorities ruling his death a suicide.
In his statement addressing the emails, Wasserman also said that he “never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein”.
“As is well documented, I went on a humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 on the Epstein plane,” he said. “I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”
Wasserman is a global sports and talent agency that represents artists including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar and Lorde. Its roster also includes major actors such as Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler, along with high profile figures across football, basketball and baseball.
Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, who has been represented by the company since its expansion into music in 2021, recently called on Casey Wasserman to step down following his inclusion in the Epstein files.
In 2024, Billie Eilish also severed ties with Casey Wasserman in his role as her live booking agent after allegations surfaced that he had affairs with several female employees, according to The Independent.
Meanwhile, Chappell Roan has also hit back at criticism surrounding the NSFW outfit she wore on the Grammys red carpet last weekend. She was nominated for Record Of The Year and Best Solo Performance for her single ‘The Subway’.