Casey Wasserman has announced plans to sell his talent agency and step away from the business following backlash related to his past communications with Ghislaine Maxwell, revealed in the latest release of the Epstein files. The agency, which has a significant presence in the music industry, has faced scrutiny from artists and partners in light of the controversy stemming from emails sent in 2003.
In the wake of this announcement, longtime executive Mike Watts has been appointed to oversee day-to-day operations. This transition is supported by Providence Equity, which acquired a majority stake in the Wasserman company in 2022. Providence has expressed confidence in Watts and the agency’s leadership team, affirming its commitment to the company’s growth across sports, music, and entertainment.
The release of the Epstein files has prompted several artists represented by Wasserman to publicly voice their concerns, with some terminating their relationships with the agency. This has created urgency for Wasserman to address the situation to maintain the agency’s stability, particularly as artists can easily switch agents.
Wasserman has stated that he will now focus on his role as Chair of the committee overseeing the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His colleagues on the board have recommended that he retain this position despite the controversy surrounding his agency.