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LOS ANGELES — Casey Wasserman, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has decided to sell his talent agency. This move follows increasing criticism over his connections with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
In a memo acquired by Eyewitness News, Wasserman informed his staff on Friday of his decision, stating his belief that he has become a “distraction” and has initiated the process of selling the company.
“Our 4,000 employees are the best in the industry. I witness your dedication to our clients every day,” Wasserman expressed in his message to the team. “Our clients demand — and deserve — top-tier representation, and that’s exactly what you all provide.”
He continued, “At this time, I feel I am diverting attention from these efforts. This is why I have started the process of selling the company, a process already in motion.”
Wasserman has come under increasing scrutiny after Justice Department documents revealed that in 2003, he exchanged flirtatious emails with Maxwell. Years later, Maxwell would be accused of assisting Epstein in recruiting and sexually abusing 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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