In brief
Chappell Roan has left the talent agency Wasserman due to its association with Casey Wasserman, whose name has surfaced in the Epstein files. In her statement, Roan emphasized the necessity for accountability in the industry and a commitment to her team's values. Wasserman's recollected correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell has sparked widespread criticism and calls for him to step down from various roles.
Singer Chappell Roan says she has left the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman, whose name appears in the Epstein files. Announcing her split with the agency, Roan said she has a 'duty to protect her team' and her decision reflected her belief that 'meaningful change in our industry requires accountability'. Wasserman has been criticised after his flirtatious emails to Ghislaine Maxwell, sent in 2003, were revealed among the millions of files published in relation to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.Roan made no mention of Epstein, nor the Epstein files, in her statement on Instagram announcing her departure. 'As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman,' she said. Roan firmly stated, 'No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.' The BBC has reached out to Wasserman for comment.Wasserman is also the chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and has faced calls to step down from the position following the release of the emails. He has said he 'deeply regrets' the messages exchanged with Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for recruiting and trafficking teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein. Wasserman emphasized that he had 'never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.'Roan's announcement comes after two other bands represented by Wasserman released statements indicating they wanted to distance themselves from his agency, expressing disappointment over the association with Epstein's commendable networks.
