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In Los Angeles, Casey Wasserman, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is in the process of selling his talent agency. This decision comes amidst controversy surrounding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
According to a memo acquired by Eyewitness News, Wasserman communicated to his staff on Friday that he feels he has “become a distraction” and has initiated the sale of his company.
“Our 4,000 employees are the very best in the industry,” Wasserman expressed in his message to the team. “I see your dedication to your clients day in and day out. Our clients expect – and deserve – top-tier representation, which you unfailingly provide.”
He continued, “At this time, I believe my presence is diverting focus from these efforts. Therefore, I have started the process of selling the company, a process that is already underway.”
The scrutiny on Wasserman has intensified following the release of Justice Department documents. These documents revealed that in 2003, Wasserman exchanged emails with Maxwell that were described as flirtatious. Maxwell would later be implicated in assisting Epstein in recruiting and abusing his victims.
Wasserman responded quickly when the files were released, saying he regretted that correspondence, but said it occurred “long before her horrific crimes came to light.” He has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
“Hopefully by now you know the facts about my limited interactions with those two individuals,” Wasserman said in Friday’s memo. “It was years before their criminal conduct came to light, and, in its entirety, consisted of one humanitarian trip to Africa and a handful of emails that I deeply regret sending. And I’m 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.”
After Wasserman’s emails with Maxwell surfaced, Grammy-winning singer Chappell Roan was among the artists to leave his agency.
Wasserman also serves as chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee. Earlier this week, the LA28 board decided Wasserman should remain in his role after it conducted a review of his past interactions with Epstein and Maxwell.
“We found Mr. Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented,” the board’s executive committee said in a statement.
“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.”
In his memo, Wasserman said he will focus on “delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028 that is worthy of this outstanding city.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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