Chappell Roan Leaves Wasserman Agency Over Epstein Connection As Other Artists Publicly Cut Ties

Pop star Chappell Roan has ended her relationship with the Wasserman talent agency, becoming the most prominent artist to publicly depart amid fallout surrounding the agency’s leadership.

Roan confirmed her exit on February 9, 2026, saying she could not continue working with an organization whose leadership raised serious ethical concerns. Her decision followed the release of newly unsealed court documents connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation that included decades old email correspondence involving Wasserman founder and CEO Casey Wasserman.

Although Wasserman has denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes and stated that the emails predated Epstein’s conviction, the disclosures sparked swift backlash across the music industry. Roan said artists should not be expected to remain silent when values and personal safety are at stake.

Her departure quickly became a flashpoint, prompting renewed scrutiny of the agency and its role in representing artists who prioritize ethical alignment alongside professional success.

Other Artists Who Have Publicly Departed or Spoken Out

Chappell Roan is not alone. In the days following her announcement, several artists confirmed they had also cut ties with Wasserman or publicly criticized the agency’s leadership.

The indie rock band Wednesday confirmed it had ended its relationship with Wasserman shortly after the documents became public. Punk rock veterans Dropkick Murphys were also reported to have stopped working with the agency.

Other artists have not publicly confirmed a departure but have spoken out forcefully. Bethany Cosentino, frontwoman of Best Coast, issued a public statement condemning the agency’s leadership and calling for accountability. The experimental pop duo Water From Your Eyes described the revelations as unacceptable and said artists should demand better standards from those who represent them. Indie pop band Beach Bunny released a statement expressing disgust and urging meaningful change.

Several musicians emphasized that silence from leadership and a lack of transparency were as troubling as the emails themselves. Some called on Casey Wasserman to step down from his executive roles.

Agency Response and Industry Fallout

As criticism mounted, Wasserman removed its public music artist roster from its website, fueling speculation about further departures behind the scenes. Industry sources indicated that some agents and staff within the company were also reassessing their positions.

Wasserman issued a statement acknowledging the emails and expressing regret, while maintaining that neither he nor the company had any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activity. He described the correspondence as inappropriate in tone but disconnected from Epstein’s later crimes.

Despite that response, calls have grown for leadership changes not only within Wasserman’s music division but also regarding Wasserman’s broader role in entertainment and sports, including his high profile position connected to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A Turning Point for Artist Representation

Roan’s exit has come to symbolize a larger shift within the music industry, where artists increasingly expect their representatives to reflect their values as well as negotiate contracts and tours. The situation has reignited conversations about power, accountability, and transparency in talent representation.

Whether the departures mark a temporary crisis or a lasting reckoning for Wasserman remains to be seen. What is clear is that Chappell Roan’s decision has emboldened others to speak openly about the ethical standards they expect from the agencies entrusted with their careers.