Pop star Chappell Roan said she is no longer represented by Wasserman, the firm led by Casey Wasserman. Her move follows renewed scrutiny of flirtatious 2003 emails between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell published in recent U.S. government releases related to Jeffrey Epstein. Roan announced the split on Instagram, citing values, safety and accountability.
What Roan said—and why it matters
Roan wrote that artists deserve representation aligned with their values. She framed the choice as a stand for “safety and dignity” in the industry. Value-based representation places ethics and duty of care alongside commercial results. Her exit is the highest-profile move by a client since the files surfaced. Other artists and agents have also voiced concerns.
Wasserman’s response and the record
Wasserman has apologized for the exchanges with Maxwell. He says they predated public knowledge of her crimes and denies any personal or business relationship with Epstein. He has acknowledged one 2002 humanitarian trip on a plane associated with Epstein. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence following her 2021 conviction.
The DOJ files and what they revealed
The latest release from the U.S. Department of Justice included personal emails between Wasserman and Maxwell. Media outlets reported flirtatious language and a massage offer in the exchanges. The documents add to long-running public scrutiny of Epstein’s network and its social ties.
Olympics leadership under pressure
Wasserman chairs the organizing effort for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. City figures have urged him to step aside; others say his apology should stand. The International Olympic Committee has not moved to intervene. The debate now extends beyond entertainment into sports governance and civic reputation.
Industry ripple effects
Roan’s decision may accelerate client reviews across agencies. Artists weigh contract terms, touring plans and staff livelihoods against reputational risk. For agencies, governance and safeguarding policies face fresh tests. Several acts have already criticized or left Wasserman since the emails emerged.
The agency did not immediately comment. For now, Roan’s move underscores a clear message from artists: trust and transparency are non-negotiable as new details from the Epstein files continue to surface
