Chappell Roan Takes Stand Against Wasserman Agency Over Epstein Connection
Pop sensation Chappell Roan has made a powerful statement by cutting ties with the Wasserman talent agency, becoming the highest-profile artist to take such action. This decisive move comes after agency CEO Casey Wasserman was named in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, sparking widespread controversy and demands for accountability within the entertainment industry.
A Firm Stance on Moral Values
In a strongly worded online statement released Monday, the "Pink Pony Club" singer declared she could not "passively stand by" in light of these revelations. Roan emphasized her commitment to holding her teams to the highest standards and protecting those who work with her.
"No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values," Roan stated firmly. "Artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and supports their safety and dignity."
The Grammy-nominated artist, who was seen at the 68th GRAMMY Awards in February 2026, made it clear that her decision reflects a broader belief about necessary industry change. "This decision reflects my belief that meaningful change in our industry requires accountability and leadership that earns trust," she explained.
Casey Wasserman's Response and Background
Casey Wasserman, who also serves as chairman of the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic Games, has denied any wrongdoing related to the Epstein case. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, he defended his limited interactions with Epstein's network.
Wasserman claimed his email correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted sex trafficking accomplice, occurred long before her arrest. He also described a 2002 flight on Epstein's plane as an innocent "humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation."
However, documents reveal that Wasserman and Maxwell exchanged flirtatious emails in 2003, during a period when Wasserman was married with a young family. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on multiple serious charges including:
- Conspiracy to entice minors into illegal sex acts
- Conspiracy to transport minors for illegal sex acts
- Sex trafficking a minor
- Sex trafficking conspiracy
- Transporting a minor to engage in sex acts
Growing Artist Exodus from Wasserman
Roan's principled stand follows similar actions by several other musical acts who have distanced themselves from the agency. The punk band Dropkick Murphys announced their departure in a since-removed online post confirmed by Billboard, stating bluntly: "It saddens us to part ways with [our agents], but the namesake of the agency is in the Epstein files so...we GONE."
The experimental duo Water from Your Eyes issued a particularly scathing statement, accusing Wasserman of aligning himself with "the world's most vile and repugnant social circle and human trafficking network." They dismissed his apologies as meaningless "in the wake of violence against women and children caused by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their accomplices."
Other artists joining the exodus include:
- Wednesday, who called for Wasserman to step down and the company to rebrand
- Beach Bunny, whose founder Lili Trifilio expressed being "hugely disappointed and disgusted"
- Best Coast, who have also severed ties with the agency
Beach Bunny's statement captured the frustration many feel: "As a woman in music I unfortunately am not surprised anymore when rich men in power do horrible things. I am frustrated, I am enraged."
Wasserman's High-Profile Client Roster
Despite these departures, Wasserman continues to represent numerous major artists according to The New York Times. The agency's client list includes some of music's biggest names:
- Kendrick Lamar, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper
- Coldplay, the globally successful British rock band
- Joni Mitchell, the legendary singer-songwriter
- Lorde, the New Zealand pop sensation
- Tyler, the Creator, the innovative rapper and producer
This developing situation raises significant questions about accountability in the entertainment industry and whether more artists will follow Roan's lead in demanding ethical representation that aligns with their values.
