Read the memo: Talent agent Casey Wasserman tells staff he's selling his company after Epstein files fallout
Business Insider
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Casey Wasserman, the renowned sports marketing and talent agent, announced in a memo to his 4,000 staffers that he is selling his high-profile agency following the fallout from the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files. The decision came after it was revealed that Wasserman had exchanged emails with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003 and had flown on Epstein's private jet, including a trip with former President Bill Clinton. These details, though dating back years before any criminal charges were filed, have led to significant public scrutiny and a backlash from his clients, prompting several top talents, such as singer Chappell Roan and Olympian Abby Wambach, to leave his agency.
Wasserman acknowledged in the memo that he had become a distraction to his team's efforts, stating, "I'm heartbroken that my brief contact with them 23 years ago has caused you, this company, and its clients so much hardship." He emphasized that the pain of Epstein and Maxwell's victims was unimaginable and expressed regret for his past actions. Despite these apologies, the damage to Wasserman's reputation and the company's credibility has been significant.
The sale of the Wasserman Group is already underway, with Mike Watts taking over day-to-day operations while Wasserman focuses on other priorities, including his long-standing goal of bringing the Olympic Games back to Los Angeles in 2028. This decision underscores the lasting impact of being associated with controversial figures like Epstein, even years after initial interactions. The incident highlights how the release of sensitive documents can lead to reputational damage, legal challenges, and a loss of trust among clients and employees.
For businesses, this situation serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of ethical decision-making and the potential long-term consequences of personal or professional associations with individuals involved in scandals. Wasserman's case also demonstrates how the digital age has made it easier for past actions to resurface and cause significant public fallout, even if they occurred decades earlier.
In the broader business context, this story underscores the
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/14/2026