Massive Artist Exodus: Why Top Bands Are Fleeing Wasserman Music

The Wasserman Music agency is facing an unprecedented internal revolt. Following the release of more than 3 million Department of Justice files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a growing list of high-profile artists are demanding the resignation of CEO Casey Wasserman—with some already severing ties entirely.

The Paper Trail

The controversy ignited after documents revealed “friendly and occasionally sexually-charged” email exchanges between Wasserman and convicted sex-trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003.

The Apology: Wasserman issued a statement expressing “deep regret” for the correspondence, noting it occurred decades ago.
The Reaction: For many on the agency’s roster, the apology rang hollow. Artists are now pointing to a 2002 “humanitarian” trip Wasserman took on Epstein’s private plane as evidence of a pattern that can no longer be ignored.

The Artist Exodus

What began as a public demand for accountability from Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino has turned into a coordinated movement.

Dropkick Murphys: The iconic Irish-American rockers became the first major act to officially “part ways” with the agency, stating simply: “The namesake of the agency is in the Epstein files so… we GONE.”
Wednesday & Water From Your Eyes: Both acts have announced they are “extracting” themselves from the agency, citing a refusal to remain under the Wasserman banner.
Beach Bunny: The Chicago-based band called Wasserman’s actions “abhorrent” and demanded he remove his name from the firm entirely.

The “Impossible” Choice for Artists

Not every artist feels they have the luxury of leaving. Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells provided a nuanced perspective on the systemic rot within the industry.

The Agent vs. The Agency: Krauss highlighted that while the CEO is under fire, the individual booking agents are often trusted partners.
The Financial Toll: Leaving a major agency can be a career-ending move for independent artists who rely on that infrastructure to survive. “None of these corporations are going to bat an eye if Sleigh Bells bails on them,” she noted, calling for broader industry regulation instead of individual artist sacrifice.

What Happens to the 2028 Olympics?

The scandal’s reach extends far beyond the music charts. Casey Wasserman currently serves as the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee.

Mounting Pressure: As the agency scrubs its client list from its website to hide the bleeding, pressure is mounting on Olympic officials to address whether Wasserman can remain the face of the LA Games.
Rebranding or Ruin: Artists like Wednesday have suggested they might stay if the agency rebrands and Wasserman steps down, but as of mid-February 2026, no such move has been made.