Photo Credit: Chappell Roan (Instagram)
Chappell Roan announces parting ways with her agency after CEO Casey Wasserman’s name appeared in the tranche of Epstein files released last week.
Chappell Roan has parted ways with and is no longer represented by talent agency Wasserman. The “Pink Pony Club” singer announced the news on Monday after the company’s CEO, Casey Wasserman, appeared in the Epstein files released last week.
“I hold my teams to the highest standards and have a duty to protect them as well. No artist, agent, or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values,” wrote Roan on Instagram.
“I have deep respect and appreciation for the agents and staff who work tirelessly for their artists, and I refuse to passively stand by. Artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and supports their safety and dignity. This decision reflects my belief that meaningful change in our industry requires accountability and leadership that earns trust.”
Roan’s decision is not surprising, with rumors that she would make her exit mounting over the weekend. It also comes amid internal pressure at the agency from “prominent staffers” urging Wasserman to exit his namesake company following the revelation of his correspondence with Epstein collaborator and child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.
A group of Wasserman agents, including Duffy McSwiggin and Marty Diamond, have reportedly demanded that the founder and CEO step down from the company. McSwiggin represents Joni Mitchell, OK Go, and Lake Street Dive, while Diamond is best known for representing Coldplay. These agents have offered Wasserman an ultimatum to sell them the music business and walk away, or they will leave the agency altogether.
The Wasserman agency was originally sports-focused, but acquired the music portion of its business from Paradigm in 2021.
Roan isn’t the only artist to have spoken out against Wasserman this week, but she is definitely the most prominent. Indie rock group Wednesday also announced their move to “extract” themselves from the agency, while Best Coast frontwoman Bethany Corsentino called on Wasserman to step down from his company. Meanwhile, last year, Billie Eilish left the agency over Wasserman’s alleged extramarital affairs.
