Olympics Chairman Casey Wasserman Announces Agency Sale Following Epstein Controversy
Casey Wasserman, the prominent talent mogul and chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, has declared he is placing his influential agency up for sale. This decisive move comes in the wake of intense scrutiny over his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Wasserman communicated this significant decision to his staff through a detailed memo on Friday, acknowledging that his historical association with Maxwell had evolved into a substantial distraction for the company.
Internal Memo Reveals Deep Regret and Apology
In the memo, which was obtained by the Wall Street Journal, Wasserman expressed profound remorse for the turmoil caused by his actions. "I'm deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort," he wrote to employees. "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." He further elaborated that he was "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."
Wasserman has consistently maintained that he never engaged in any personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein himself. He clarified that his sole interaction with the convicted sex offender occurred during a humanitarian mission with the Clinton Foundation back in 2002. However, it is his subsequent email correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell that has ignited widespread controversy and prompted multiple high-profile clients to sever ties with his agency.
Flirty Email Exchange Sparks Client Exodus
Emails released by the Department of Justice unveiled a series of intimate exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell. These communications, which took place when Wasserman was less than two years into his marriage to then-wife Laura Ziffren, featured affectionate sign-offs such as "Kisses" from Maxwell and "xoxo" from Wasserman. In one particularly suggestive message, Wasserman wrote, "I thought we would start at that place that you know of, and then continue the massage concept into your bed … and then again in the morning … not sure if or when we would stop." Maxwell responded two days later with, "Umm — all that rubbing — are you sure you can take it? The thought frankly is leaving me a little breathless."
Following the public revelation of these emails in early February, Wasserman issued a public apology. "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light," he stated. Maxwell, now 64, was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021 and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in grooming, trafficking, and abusing minors alongside Epstein.
High-Profile Client Departures and Company Impact
The scandal has triggered a significant exodus of major talent from the Wasserman Agency. Pop singer Chappell Roan announced her departure on February 9, asserting, "No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict deeply with our own moral values." Similarly, US Women's Soccer star Abby Wambach posted on February 11 about her decision to leave, writing, "I read Casey Wasserman's correspondence in the Epstein files. I know what I know, and I am following my gut and my values."
Despite these setbacks, the agency, which Wasserman founded in 2003 and built into one of the nation's largest talent companies through strategic acquisitions, currently employs approximately 4,000 people. Long-time executive Mike Watts will assume responsibility for daily operations while Wasserman concentrates on orchestrating the sale. Wasserman, 51, is the son of legendary talent agent Lew Wasserman, who represented President Ronald Reagan and whose company, MCA, eventually acquired Universal Pictures.
LA 2028 Olympics Stand by Chairman Wasserman
In a notable development, the LA 2028 Olympics organization has confirmed that Wasserman will retain his position as chairman. The committee stated, "We found Mr. Wasserman's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented. The Executive Committee of the Board has determined that based on these facts, as well as the strong leadership he has exhibited over the past ten years, Mr. Wasserman should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games." This endorsement comes amidst the ongoing sale process and client departures, highlighting the complex intersection of personal controversy and professional leadership in the high-stakes worlds of sports and entertainment.
