Additional Coverage:
Los Angeles, CA – Bethany Cosentino, co-founder of the rock band Best Coast, has publicly denounced her booking agency, Wasserman Music, following revelations connecting agency founder Casey Wasserman to convicted child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell and the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Wasserman, who also heads the organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, was recently named in newly released federal documents tied to the Epstein investigation. While his past travel on Epstein’s private plane with his then-wife Laura was previously known, these new documents unveiled sexually suggestive messages exchanged between Wasserman and Maxwell, Epstein’s “consigliere” who is currently serving a lengthy federal prison sentence for child sex trafficking.
In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Wasserman expressed regret over the correspondence, stating, “I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light. I never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
As is well documented, I went on a humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 on the Epstein plane. I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”
However, Cosentino, a Wasserman client since 2021, took to social media to post an open letter, asserting that Wasserman’s response was “not enough.” She wrote, “Regret without accountability is just damage control.”
Cosentino further articulated her frustration, stating, “We are tired of learning, over and over, that men who control access, resources, money and so-called safety in our industry are given endless grace. We are tired of being asked to treat proximity to something horrific as an unfortunate situation we should simply move past – especially when the person involved still holds all the power.”
She concluded her letter with a firm stance: “This letter is my public refusal to accept that this is ‘just how things are.'”
Cosentino clarified her professional allegiance, stating she is “In the Sam Hunt business,” referring to her long-time agent, and “not in the Wasserman business.” She announced her request to remove her name and Best Coast’s name from the company’s website. Cosentino called Wasserman’s actions “inexcusable,” urging him to step down and for the company to undergo a name change.
The messages between Wasserman and Maxwell included Maxwell stating she “thought of [Wasserman] at inappropriate moments,” to which Wasserman replied, “I think of you all the time… So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit? I am in NY tonight, youre not, what am I to do?
Xoxo cw.” Another exchange featured Wasserman proposing a “massage concept into your bed…and then again in the morning…not sure if or when we would stop,” with Maxwell responding, “Umm – all that rubbing – are you sure you can take it?
The thought frankly is leaving me a little breathless. There are a few spots that apparently drive a man wild -I suppose I could practise them on you and you could let me know if they work or not?”
Wasserman Music is a prominent talent agency representing notable artists such as Chappell Roan and Kendrick Lamar. Prior to this, Billie Eilish reportedly departed from Wasserman following allegations of sexual misconduct against Casey Wasserman.
The controversy has also drawn calls from local politicians for Wasserman to step down from his role with the Olympics committee. L.A.
County Supervisor Janice Hahn stated, “I think Casey Wasserman needs to step down. Having him represent us on the world stage distracts focus from our athletes and the enormous effort needed to prepare for 2028.”