"I hold my teams to the highest standards," Roan explained in her announcement
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NEED TO KNOW
- Chappell Roan joins a growing list of musicians leaving Wasserman after the agency’s founder Casey Wasserman’s 2003 emails to convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell were uncovered in the DOJ’s latest round of released Epstein Files
- Beach Bunny, Wednesday and several other bands have also announced their intentions to leave the agency
- Wasserman also serves as the Los Angeles Olympics Chief ahead of the 2028 games, and has been called upon to step down
Chappell Roan has announced she left Wasserman after the agency's founder, Casey Wasserman, was named in the latest batch of Epstein files, released by the Department of Justice on Jan. 30.
"As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman," Roan, 27, began on her Instagram Stories on Monday, Feb. 9.
"I hold my teams to the highest standards and have a duty to protect them as well," Roan continued. "No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values. I have deep respect and appreciation for the agents and staff who work tirelessly for their artists and I refuse to passively stand by."
Roan went on to write, "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 is the latest artist to depart from Wasserman, a media group representing musicians and athletes, following indie rock groups Wednesday, Beach Bunny, Water From Your Eyes and more.
Aside from musicians, a group of agents has also vowed to leave the agency, according to The Wrap.
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Wasserman’s email correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell was included in the more than 3 million Epstein files released by the Justice Department on Jan. 30. Maxwell was arrested in 2020 due to her connection to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In 2021, she pleaded not guilty to the six felony sex trafficking charges filed against her. She was convicted of five charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
In the emails released by the Justice Department, Maxwell offers Wasserman a massage. The DOJ has not accused him of any wrongdoing.
In a statement to The New York Times on Sunday, Wasserman said he "never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein," adding, "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light."
Wasserman, who currently serves as the Chairman and President of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, has been met with calls to resign. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is among those who are asking the entertainment executive and sports agent to step down.
"Having him represent us on the world stage distracts focus from our athletes and the enormous effort needed to prepare for 2028," Hahn told the Los Angeles Times.
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In addition, three Los Angeles City Council members — Hugo Soto-Martínez, Monica Rodriguez and Imelda Padilla — and state Sen. Lena Gonzalez have also asked that Wasserman step down, as has county supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
“LA28 has lauded the likelihood of having more women participate in the Olympic and Paralympic Games than ever before in history,” Horvath told the Times. “What does that mean when the organization is led by an intimate friend of a convicted human trafficker? Now is the time for LA28 to demonstrate how much they truly value women.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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