USWNT Legend Abby Wambach Quits Wasserman Agency Over Epstein Links
Soccer icon Abby Wambach has publicly announced her departure from the Wasserman agency, citing the controversy surrounding its founder Casey Wasserman and his alleged connections to the Jeffrey Epstein files. The retired USWNT star, who left professional soccer in 2015, stated she will no longer participate in any business arrangements under Wasserman's leadership.
Flirtatious Emails with Ghislaine Maxwell Revealed
Although Casey Wasserman, 51, has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein, recently released Justice Department documents show that in 2003, he exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein's trafficking and abuse of minors, was allegedly involved in helping the convicted pedophile recruit and sexually abuse victims.
Wambach emphasized her decision was driven by personal values, stating in an Instagram post: 'I know what I know and I am following my gut and my values. I will not participate in any business arrangement under (Wasserman's) leadership.' She further called for Wasserman to resign from his eponymous firm to prevent a mass exodus of talent, despite not being personally represented by him.
Wambach's Illustrious Career and Agency Impact
During her glittering soccer career, Abby Wambach achieved remarkable success, including:
- Winning two Olympic gold medals
- Securing the World Cup with the United States
- Being named a six-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award
- Becoming the USWNT's all-time leading scorer with 184 goals in 255 appearances
The Wasserman agency represents numerous high-profile female athletes, such as soccer great Alex Morgan and WNBA stars including Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart, and Britney Griner. The controversy has already led to other departures, with musician Chappell Roan announcing her exit earlier this week, citing moral values.
Wasserman's Position and Apology
Despite the growing controversy, Casey Wasserman has managed to retain his position as chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee. The LA28 board's executive committee conducted a review of Wasserman's past interactions with Epstein and Maxwell, concluding that his relationship did not extend beyond what has been publicly documented.
Wasserman issued an apology for his correspondence with Maxwell, describing it as taking place 'over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light.' He acknowledged flying on Epstein's private plane for a humanitarian mission to Africa in 2002 at the invitation of the Clinton Foundation, with his then-wife Laura accompanying him.
The executive 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.'
Public Pressure and Calls for Resignation
Some members of the Los Angeles city council and county board of supervisors have called for Wasserman to step down from his Olympics post. However, the International Olympic Committee has declined to apply additional public pressure on him to resign.
The email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell included suggestive messages, such as Wasserman telling Maxwell: 'I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?' These communications occurred less than two years into his marriage to then-wife Laura Ziffren.
As the situation develops, the sports and entertainment industries watch closely to see how the agency navigates this controversy and whether further talent departures will follow Wambach's principled stand.
