Artists threaten to leave Wasserman after founder mentioned in Epstein files
salute, A Hundred Drums, and Chappell Roan have declared their intention to leave the talent agency unless Casey Wasserman leaves his role as CEO
Several artists have threatened to part ways with the Wasserman Group after the talent agency's founder and CEO was mentioned in the Epstein Files.
In the latest batch of files published by the US Justice Department last month (January 30), Casey Wasserman was found to have corresponded with Ghislaine Maxwell, an associate of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein who is currently serving a 20-year jail sentence for child sex trafficking.
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Wasserman has since issued a statement claiming that he "deeply regrets" the email exchange with Maxwell, which he says "took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light."
Since the revelation, a number artists on the Wasserman Group's roster have revealed their intention to leave the agency, including salute, A Hundred Drums, Sylvan Esso, Orville Peck, and even one of the group's most high-profile acts, Chappell Roan.
In a statement shared on Instagram stories earlier this week, Roan wrote: "No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values."
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Manchester-based DJ and producer salute has also said that they plan to part ways with the talent agency, writing via X: "I'm looking to leave Wassermann btw and if you're on their roster you should chat to your agent about doing the same."
Replying to salute's post, US dubstep producer A Hundred Drums wrote: "I did officially, a few days ago. Several reasons. Current situations didn’t help. Really weird times right now."
According to Variety, several artists' agents have presented the agency with an "ultimatum", demanding Wasserman resign as CEO and divest, or sell the Wasserman Group, which he has reportedly declined.
Mixmag has contacted representatives for Wasserman Group for comment.
Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X
