Casey Wasserman Selling His Talent Agency After Epstein Debacle: ‘I Have Become a Distraction’

Rolling Stone

by Charisma Madarang

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Casey Wasserman, the founder of the Wasserman Group talent agency, has announced plans to sell the company after becoming a "distraction" following the revelation of controversial emails exchanged between him and Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The Justice Department’s release of these documents led to a wave of talent severing ties with the agency, including artists like Chappell Roan and Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino. In response, Wasserman acknowledged his past mistakes in a memo to employees, apologizing for causing discomfort and stepping down as CEO to focus on other commitments, such as leading preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The scandal centers around emails from years ago, including one where Wasserman asked Maxwell, "What do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?" and another where he expressed interest in booking a massage with her. While Maxwell was later convicted of conspiring with Epstein to abuse minors, Wasserman has not been accused of any criminal activity. He emphasized that his interactions with Epstein were limited to a humanitarian trip with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 and "a handful of emails I deeply regret sending." Wasserman’s decision to sell the agency comes after intense pressure from employees, talent, and clients, who view him as an obstacle to the company’s operations. Mike Watts, the company’s COO,

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/14/2026