Artists Continue to Crash Exit Doors at Wasserman Despite Sale

Photo Credit: Laufey for the Recording Academy (Instagram)

Laufey is the latest artist to call it quits with Wasserman, as the agency’s namesake faces more calls to resign from his Olympic committee position.

Casey Wasserman announced late last week that he would exit the talent agency that bears his name. But that hasn’t stopped artists from continuing to flood the exit over revelations in the Epstein files of Wasserman’s past involvement with Jeffrey Epstein madam Ghislaine Maxwell. Meanwhile, he continues to face calls for his resignation from the 2028 LA Olympics committee, including from the mayor of Los Angeles.

Grammy-winning Icelandic singer Laufey left Wasserman earlier this week, multiple sources have confirmed—though it’s unclear if her departure is because of the scandal or if she already had plans to leave beforehand. Sources told The Hollywood Reporter of her intention to leave before Wasserman announced his plans to sell the agency.

Her exit follows a cornucopia of others, including Chappell Roan, Orville Peck, John Summit, ODESZA, bbno$, Subtronics, Seven Lions, Chelsea Cutler, Water From Your Eyes, Dropkick Murphys, Sylvan Esso, Wednesday, Gigi Perez, Local Natives, Hippo Campus, Weyes Blood, Beach Bunny, Best Coast, Lane8, Levity, DJ Pressed, ALLEYCVT, Rezz, Tape B, Of The Trees, Daily Bread, and soccer player Abby Wambach.

On Friday, Casey Wasserman confirmed his intention to sell his company in a memo to staff, writing that he had “become a distraction” from the company’s daily operations.

“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,” Wasserman wrote. “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.”

Wasserman added he would turn his attention full-time to his position as chair of the organizing committee for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The board confirmed last week that it would continue to back Wasserman, though numerous California politicians have called for his resignation, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

The Los Angeles County legislative delegation, which represents 37 state senators and Assembly members—including state Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), who chairs the state special committee on the 2028 Olympics and other major events—released a statement that Wasserman should resign.

“Mr. Wasserman’s past personal conduct has become a distraction and LA28’s leadership must be singularly focused on ensuring a safe and successful games for athletes, spectators, and visitors to Los Angeles from around the world,” said Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Hawthorne) in a statement on behalf of the group.

Meanwhile, during a gubernatorial forum in Sacramento on Wednesday, candidates were asked if Wasserman should resign. Former Assemblymember Ian Calderon, former Controller Betty Yee, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra all answered in the affirmative.