Chappell Roan has left the Wasserman agency led by Casey Wasserman, whose name has appeared in the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.
Wasserman has said he “deeply regrets” the 2003 emails to Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell – who has since been jailed for child sex trafficking – that appeared in the latest batch of documents released by the DoJ.
In her social media post, Chappell Roan did not specifically mention the latest Epstein files release but spoke of the need for “accountability and leadership that earns trust”.
“I hold my teams to the highest standards and have a duty to protect them as well,” Roan posted. “No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.
“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.”
Music Week has reached out to the Wasserman agency for comment.
Other Wasserman acts including Wednesday, Water From Your Eyes, Beach Bunny and Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino have also spoken out in the wake of the Epstein files release. Variety reports that they are among multiple artists seeking to leave the agency, while Casey Wasserman is said to be meeting with senior executives to determine a course of action.
Wasserman is founder and CEO of the agency – one of the biggest in the music industry – as well as being chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Committee.
In a statement on February 3, Wasserman said: “I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light. I 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. I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”
The flirtatious emails between Wasserman and Maxwell have also prompted calls for him to step down from the LA Olympics Committee.
Wasserman has not been accused of any wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour by any of Epstein’s victims, and the appearance of his name in the Epstein files does not imply criminal activity of any kind.
