Story by Andrew Stanton
After his name was discovered in a recently disclosed Epstein file, musician Orville Peck became one of the numerous celebrities who expressed their opposition to Casey Wasserman, the CEO of the Wasserman talent agency.
“I have decided to discontinue my representation by the Wasserman talent agency in light of the most recent discoveries concerning Casey Wasserman.” “I am deeply grateful to my personal team, some of whom I have known, trusted, and collaborated with for nearly a decade,” he stated in an Instagram post.
He also stated that he is leaving with a “significant amount of empathy for the remaining agents and staff at the agency, who are being left with a situation that affects all of our work and livelihoods.”.
The Wasserman talent agency was contacted by Newsweek for comment via its online press contact form.
Why It Is Important
In the most recent Epstein file release, emails that Wasserman sent to Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003 were disclosed, prompting him to face scrutiny. His agency represents a number of renowned artists. He also serves as the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics committee.
In 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking, Epstein committed suicide in a federal jail in New York. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for assisting Epstein in the trafficking of juveniles. Earlier this week, she addressed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Scrutiny, speculation, and conspiracy theories have been fostered by inquiries regarding Epstein for years, particularly in relation to his interactions with political leaders, business executives, and cultural elites. New records from Epstein investigations were disclosed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in January, marking the largest release to date.
The presence of released documents does not necessarily suggest any malfeasance.
Orville Peck attends the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 15 finale red carpet in Los Angeles on April 1, 2023
Does anyone know Casey Wasserman?
Wasserman, the chief executive officer and founder of Wasserman, a global sports marketing and talent agency that represents thousands of athletes and performers in music and sports, is an American sports and entertainment executive. As the chair of the forthcoming Olympics, he was at the epicenter of one of the most significant sporting spectacles in the world.
He is the grandson of the renowned Hollywood impresario Lew Wasserman.
In addition, Wasserman has been a political donor for an extended period of time.
A examination of Wasserman’s Federal Election Commission (FEC) donations by Newsweek revealed that he has contributed to both Democrats and Republicans over the years. As an illustration, prior to the 2008 presidential election, he contributed to Senator John McCain, Senator Hillary Clinton, and former President Barack Obama. He made another donation to Clinton in 2016.
Some of his most recent donations were made to Republicans, such as Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senator Susan Collins. Additional contributions to the Democratic Party include Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California and the DCCC.
Which artists have publicly expressed their opinions regarding Wasserman Agency?
After it was discovered that Wasserman was listed in the files, Chappell Roan said that she was leaving the Wasserman talent agency.
“I have an obligation to protect my teams and hold them to the highest standards.”
In an Instagram story, she stated, “I am responsible for the safety and well-being of my teams and hold them to the highest standards.” “No artist, agent, or employee should be required to defend or overlook actions that are so profoundly at odds with our own moral principles.”
Billboard reported that the rock band Dropkick Murphys, who have been vocal about their anti-Trump politics, have “separated ways” with the agency and proclaimed this in an Instagram story.
“We are sorry to part ways with [our agents], but the Epstein files contain the agency’s name, so we are no longer involved,” they stated.
Also the Wednesday band severed its relationship with the agency.
The authors stated, “We are strongly convinced that we must commence the process of distancing ourselves from Wasserman in light of the circumstances.”
“We cannot continue to be represented by a company that is led by and named after Casey Wasserman, as it is inconsistent with our values.”
Casey Wasserman speaks during the LA 2028 Presentation in Lima, Peru, on September 13, 2017.
The individuals they collaborated with at the organization were described as “decent and trustworthy people,” and they called on Wasserman to resign “for the sake of his staff.”
The band Beach Bunny expressed their disdain and disappointment on Instagram after discovering Wasserman’s relationship with Maxwell. The band noted that his behavior was “abhorrent and disturbing on every level.”
“Deep regrets are insufficient; we are demanding that [Wasserman] remove himself and his name from the agency.” The statement adds, “Unfortunately, as a woman in music, I am not surprised when rich men in power do horrible things.”
I “did not consent to having my name or my career tied to someone with this kind of association to exploitation,” Best Coast frontwoman Bethany Cosentino wrote on Instagram.
She added, “I can’t stay silent in good conscience, especially at a time when powerful men are so frequently shielded, pardoned, or permitted to move on without repercussions.”
Chelsea Cutler, a musician, announced on Instagram that the agency will no longer represent her.
We are at a turning point in history where we are constantly being asked to normalize things that are obviously wrong and desensitize ourselves. The concept of continuing this normality and tolerance really disturbs me,” she added.
Response to Ghislaine Maxwell’s Texts by Casey Wasserman
Maxwell proposed that Wasserman receive a massage that would “drive a man wild,” as reported by The New York Times. Another time, he confided in her, “I am constantly thinking of you.” Therefore, what must I do to observe you in a snug leather outfit?
The New York Times reported that Wasserman addressed the files in a statement.
“I am profoundly sorry for my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, which occurred more than two decades ago, prior to the revelation of her atrocious crimes,” he stated.
Finally, he declared that he had “never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.”
“In 2002, I participated in a humanitarian mission with the Clinton Foundation on the Epstein plane, as is well-documented.” I am deeply regretful for any association I may have had with either of them,” he stated.
Who Is Represented by the Wasserman Agency?
As of publication, Wasserman’s roster of artists was not available to the public.
However, according to Variety, the firm represents a number of well-known performers, including Tyler, the Creator, Ed Sheeran, SZA, Childish Gambino, Coldplay, Geese, Lorde, Janelle Monae, Phish, Raye, and Janelle Monae.
What People Are Saying
Bethany Cosentino posted on Instagram, “We are tired of seeing harm downplayed or ignored as ‘a long time ago,’ when the effects of that harm are still very real, especially for women and survivors of sexual assault.”
California Democrat Representative Ro Khanna has been pushing for the release of the Epstein files and has voiced concerns about redactions. He said on X, “Trump’s FBI scrubbed these files in March.” The papers that Justice got had the same redactions that the FBI made at the time. This is a violation of @RepThomasMassie and my Epstein Files Transparency Act. They need to unscrub the FBI files so we know who the rich and powerful men are who raped underage girls.”
The DOJ wrote in a statement in January: “Through the process, the Department provided clear instructions to reviewers that the redactions were to be limited to the protection of victims and their families. Some pornographic images, whether commercial or not, were redacted, given the Department treated all women in those images as victims. In the publication of any files, the names of famous people and politicians were not redacted.
What Follows
Social media users are calling on Wasserman to resign as the 2028 Olympic chairman.
Updated at 5:45 p.m. on 2/10/26. ET: More details have been added to this article.
The center is regarded as neutral in a polarised era. We at Newsweek have a distinct approach: The Courageous Center is a place that is alive with ideas, sharp, and challenging, rather than a place that represents “both sides.” We adhere to the facts, not factions. If that is the type of journalism you aspire to support, we require your assistance.
You are contributing to a mission to preserve the center’s vitality and strength by becoming a Newsweek Member. Members derive pleasure from: Exclusive content, editor conversations, and ad-free perusing. Assist in maintaining the center’s fortitude. Become a member today.
