Casey Wasserman to Sell Agency Amid Epstein Backlash

Casey Wasserman has told staff he has started the process of selling the sports, music and entertainment agency he founded in 2002.

Why it matters:

• Wasserman’s announcement follows revelations in the Epstein files that he had an intimate relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell in the early 2000s, years before she was convicted of sex trafficking.

• In a February 13 memo to staff, Wasserman referenced his “limited interactions” with Maxwell and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and that it was “years before their criminal conduct came to light.”

• Nonetheless, he added, “I have become a distraction” to the efforts of the “4,000 employees ...[who] put it all on the line for your clients every day.”

Roster revolt:

• Upon news of Wasserman’s presence in the Epstein files and his involvement with Maxwell, multiple artists left the company, including Chappell Roan, Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, Orville Peck, Dropkick Murphys, Wednesday, Weyes Blood, and more.

Moving forward:

• Though the specifics of the divestment are unclear, Wasserman President Mike Watts will lead the company during the transition.

• Variety reports that the sale will include the Brillstein Entertainment Partners talent division, longtime home to A-listers such as Brad Pitt.

• Providence Equity Partners, which became an investor in Wasserman in 2022 and now owns a majority in the firm, has issued a statement supporting Watts’ appointment and the company’s future.

• As per The Hollywood Reporter, a Providence spokesperson said: “We believe deeply in the strength of the company and have full confidence in Mike and the leadership team, as well as in the exceptional employees across the organization.”

• Wasserman will retain his role as the Chairman of LA28, the committee organizing the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

• He has not been accused of any wrongdoing by survivors of Epstein’s crimes, and his appearance in the Epstein files does not imply any criminal activity.

The memo in full:

Team:

 I wanted to write to you all directly to share a few important updates. Over the past couple of weeks, I have spoken to many of you directly – and I wish I could have spoken with each and every one of you because you all have put your hearts and souls into this incredible organization.

 First and foremost, I want to apologize to you. I’m deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort. It’s not fair to you, and it’s not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about.

 The pain experienced by the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell is unimaginable – and I’m glad, as I’m sure you all are, that those who helped them commit their crimes are rightly being held accountable. 

 Hopefully by now you know the facts about my limited interactions with those two individuals. It was years before their criminal conduct came to light, and, in its entirety, consisted of one humanitarian trip to Africa and a handful of emails that I deeply regret sending. And I’m heartbroken that my brief contact with them 23 years ago has caused you, this company, and its clients so much hardship over the past days and weeks.

 Other than my children and my fiancée, there are two things that matter most to me in this world: this company that I founded 24 years ago, and the dream I’ve pursued for more than a decade of bringing the Olympic Games back to the city I love.

 This organization, its leadership and the entire team mean the world to me. Our 4,000 employees are the absolute best in the business. I see you put it all on the line for your clients every day. Our clients expect – and deserve – world-class representation. And that’s exactly what they get because of all of you.

 At this moment, I believe that I have become a distraction to those efforts. That is why I have begun the process of selling the company, an effort that is already underway. During this time, Mike Watts will assume day-to-day control of the business while I devote my full attention to delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028 that is worthy of this outstanding city.

 I so appreciate the passion and fight you bring to your jobs. It’s why you succeed. 

I’m beyond proud of what this company has accomplished to date and excited to watch its next chapter.

All my best,

Casey