Casey Wasserman to Sell Talent Agency Amid Epstein Files Fallout

Variety

by Jem Aswad

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Casey Wasserman has announced plans to sell his eponymous talent agency and marketing firm in response to the fallout from the Epstein files, which revealed details of his past relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell during a time when he was married. In a memo shared with staff, Wasserman expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging that his personal mistakes have become a distraction and stating that selling the company is necessary to focus on his role as chairman of LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The decision comes after emails between Wasserman and Maxwell from 2003 were made public, sparking criticism and leading several artists represented by Wasserman's agency to leave, including notable figures like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Kendrick Lamar. The exodus began with a social media post by Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, which prompted other artists to request their removal from the agency’s roster. Wasserman acquired his music operations in 2021 when he purchased assets from Paradigm talent agency during its fire sale, later adding the prestigious Brillstein Entertainment Partners division in 2023. Wasserman, whose company was once one of the largest in the music industry, emphasized that he has no direct connection to Epstein's crimes or misconduct. However, his association with Maxwell and the subsequent fallout have created significant challenges for both his business and personal reputation. Despite calls for his resignation from high-profile roles, Wasserman retains his position at LA28, where he aims to deliver a successful Olympics for Los Angeles. This situation highlights the far-reaching consequences of past actions in the entertainment industry, particularly when tied to controversial figures like Epstein and Maxwell. The sale of Wasserman’s agencies marks a turning point not only for him but also for the artists and clients affected by this scandal. The outcome will likely shape the future of his business empire and its role in shaping the entertainment landscape.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/14/2026