Chappell Roan is receiving widespread praise after she issued a statement confirming that she is no longer part of Casey Wasserman’s talent agency after his name was found multiple times in the recently released Epstein files.
As you’re probably aware, more than three million pages of documents, images, and videos were recently released by the Department of Justice as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This release gave a harrowing insight into government records related to the investigations, prosecutions, and associated matters involving convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and other powerful individuals.
For reference, Epstein died in prison in 2019. Meanwhile, his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of sex trafficking of a minor and other charges in 2021. She was first arrested in 2020, and federal prosecutors said that Ghislaine helped procure young girls for Epstein.
Tons of high-profile names appear in the newly released documents, including Casey Wasserman, who came up several times for his flirtatious email exchanges with Ghislaine in the early ‘00s. For example, on Apr. 1, 2003, he wrote to her: “Where are you, I miss you. I will be in nyc for 4 days starting april 22…can we book that massage now?”
In another exchange, Ghislaine offered Casey a massage that can “drive a man wild,” adding that she was “breathless” at the thought of it.
Casey was also listed as one of the attendees on a 2002 trip to Africa aboard Epstein’s private jet.
Shortly after the files were released, Casey issued a statement expressing his regret over his involvement with Ghislaine. He said: “I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light.”
Casey added that he “never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein,” and pointed out that the trip to Africa was “well-documented” and a “humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation.”
Still, Chappell took to her Instagram story on Monday to confirm that she had cut all ties with Casey after his close relationship with Ghislaine came to light, writing: “As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman, the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman. I hold my teams to the highest standards and have a duty to protect them as well. No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.”
“I have deep respect and appreciation for the agents and staff who work tirelessly for their artists and I refuse to passively stand by,” her statement went on. “Artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and supports their safety and dignity. This decision reflects my belief that meaningful change in our industry requires accountability and leadership that earns trust.”
And the singer has been lauded for taking action and distancing herself from somebody who is tied up in the Epstein files in any capacity. One popular Reddit comment reads: “It’s the ‘proactive’ part that is so refreshing. Most stars wait for the PR disaster to peak before making a move, but she’s treating her team like a reflection of her own values. Even if the 2003 email was the only ‘official’ link, the proximity alone is a massive liability for someone with her message. She’s not waiting for a jury; she’s protecting her brand’s integrity.”
“love someone taking action and not making empty statements. we celebrate celebrities waayyyyy too much for making statements and doing nothing. so much respect for chappell,” somebody else wrote. Another echoed: “I will always love Chappell. She stands on fucking business. I know I say this all the time but seeing younger artists speak up and use their voices just warms my heart.”
“This is truly beautiful and powerful. It feels authentic, and not like posturing. Salute 🫡” one more observed. Another compared Chappell’s actions to stars who don’t take a stand, with one comment reading: “It is just this simple. Not sure why others are twisting themselves about to not do the right thing.”
What do you make of Chappell’s actions? Let me know in the comments below!