The music industry is experiencing one of the most tense moments in recent months. Following the publication of internal U.S. Department of Justice documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case files, several artists represented by the Wasserman Music agency have decided to cut ties with the company, generating a domino effect among musicians of different genres and profile levels.
Wasserman, founded and led by executive Casey Wasserman – also chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic organizing committee – faces mounting pressure after it was revealed that the CEO exchanged emails with Epstein collaborator Ghislaine Maxwell more than two decades ago. Wasserman has publicly apologized for those communications, but that hasn’t stopped talent departures or protests from music figures.
Artists who have officially left Wasserman
As of today, February 10, 2026, the number of artists who have announced their definitive departure or are in the confirmed process of doing so stands at a minimum of three, with a fourth case very likely according to multiple specialized sources.
1. Chappell Roan
Pop artist Chappell Roan was the first figure to announce her complete departure from Wasserman in the wake of the scandal. Roan posted on her social media that she is no longer represented by the agency and stressed that “artists deserve representation that is aligned with their values and protects their dignity,” making clear her refusal to continue under the same label.
2. Wednesday
Alternative band Wednesday issued an official letter stating that they have initiated the process to leave Wasserman. In their statement, the group noted that continuing with the agency under Wasserman’s leadership “goes against their values” and that, while they respect the agents they have worked with, they cannot continue to be associated with the brand as long as the CEO remains at the helm.
3. Dropkick Murphys
Punk-rock veterans Dropkick Murphys also confirmed that they have severed ties with the agency. Their statement on social media was direct: “The agency name is linked to the Epstein files, so… we’re no longer with them.”
Bethany Cosentino (Best Coast) also left?
In addition to the confirmed departures, there is a fourth case that several sources report as very likely:
Bethany Cosentino (Best Coast)
Singer/songwriter Bethany Cosentino – leader of Best Coast – released an open letter demanding Casey Wasserman’s resignation as CEO following his appearance in the Epstein documents. While some media report that her letter was a demand for internal changes rather than a formal departure, others indicate that she has taken steps that would indicate an imminent break with the agency. According to recent reports, Cosentino has reportedly formally requested to terminate his relationship, although the process has not yet been publicly confirmed as complete.
➡️ Summary of departures:
- Insurance: Chappell Roan, Wednesday, Dropkick Murphys
- Probable: Bethany Cosentino
Other artists criticized or threatened to leave
Beyond the concrete departures, several artists have openly criticized the situation or announced their intention to leave the agency if there are no changes. Among them are bands such as Beach Bunny, Water From Your Eyes, or even associated artists such as Sleight Bells who commented on the difficulties of disengaging due to contractual structures. (
These positions consolidate a broader debate in the industry, where many artists -especially independent artists- are evaluating whether to continue to be associated with an agency whose public image has been seriously affected by the scandal.
What does it mean for the music industry?
Wasserman’s artist departures could have ripple effects if the exodus of talent continues. The agency represents a broad roster of names, from indie acts to major international stars. Its client list included, prior to this episode, high-profile artists such as Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar or SZA, although none of these have publicly announced their departure yet.
At the same time, internal agents have begun to explore options to recompose the agency without Wasserman’s name and influence, which could lead to important structural changes in the medium term.
A radical shift in artistic representation
What began as leaks of court documents about a seemingly superficial old liaison has triggered a crisis of representation in the music industry. The resignations of artists like Chappell Roan, Wednesday and Dropkick Murphys are just the beginning; if the lawsuits by figures like Bethany Cosentino come to fruition, it could trigger a domino effect with consequences for touring schedules, management contracts and entertainment power structures.
This episode underscores the growing power of artists not only in creating culture, but in demanding accountability and transparency within large institutions that, until now, seemed immovable.
