Casey Wasserman selling talent agency amid Epstein files fallout

FollowingChappell Roanandother musical artists'split fromHollywood mogul Casey Wassermanafter his appearance in a new batch ofJeffrey Epstein files, the executive announced he is selling the talent agency he founded and headed since 2002.

Wasserman, who ischairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Organizing Committee, announced the sale in a staff memo provided to USA TODAY by his talent agency. In the memo, Wasserman wrote that he had "become a distraction" at the eponymous agency.

"I'm deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort," Wasserman wrote in the memo. "It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about."

Wasserman, 51, has been adamant that he "never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein," according to the memo and aprevious statement.

"I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light," Wasserman said in his previous statement, adding that "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."

For the time being, Mike Watts will "assume day-to-day control of the business," according to the memo from Wasserman, who added that he'll "devote (his) full attention to delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028." When sold, it is unclear what will happen to the agency's roughly 4,000 employees, which Wasserman called "the absolute best in the business."

What appears to be outdoor furniture is seen in a photo released by US Department of Justice from one of Jeffrey Epstein's properties.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Epstein's house was filled with odd objects. See the photos.

Why didChappell Roanand other artists leave Wasserman?

Chappell Roan announced her exit from Wasserman in anInstagram story on Monday, Feb. 9.

"No artist, agent or employee should be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values," the Grammy winner said in her post. "I have deep respect and appreciation for the agents and staff who work tirelessly for their artists and I refuse to stand by."

Roan added that "artists deserve representation that aligns with their values," and the decision to leave Wasserman "reflects my belief that meaningful change in our industry requires accountability and leadership that earns trust."

The "Pink Pony Club" singer's decision came as other artists offered similar reasons for leaving Wasserman, including Best Coast singer Bethany Cosentino, who published anopen letter on InstagramFeb. 5, demanding the executive's resignation.

"This letter is my public refusal to accept that this is 'just how things are.' It is a refusal to continue lining the pockets of people so closely tied to shady business and toxic, deeply harmful people," Cosentino's letter reads. "I am not in the Wasserman business. I have asked to remove my name and band's name from the company site. The position Casey Wasserman has put his agents in is inexcusable."

The band Beach Bunny posted a statement tosocial media on Jan. 8, arguing that Wasserman's actions are "abhorrent and disturbing on every level."

Has Casey Wasserman been criminally charged with anything?

As of Saturday, Feb. 14, no criminal charges have been brought against Wasserman. In his memo to staff, he called his communication withEpstein and Maxwell, both convicted of child sex crimes, "limited interactions."

"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," his memo reads.

Epstein died in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting a federal sex-trafficking trial, and the disgraced financier has ties to some of the world's richest and most powerful people, includingformer President Bill ClintonandPresident Donald Trump. Both men have denied any wrongdoing, and neither has been charged.

Maxwell was found guilty of child sex trafficking and other criminal offenses in connection with Epstein. She is currentlyserving a 20-year prison sentence.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Wasserman selling agency amid Epstein fallout, Chappell Roan exit

byAndy Corry

in

February 14, 2026

Casey Wasserman selling talent agency amid Epstein files fallout

FollowingChappell Roanandother musical artists'split fromHollywood mogul Casey Wassermanafter his appearance in a ne...

Read More

10 Most Read Stories Of The Week

This week'sBored Panda'smost-read stories brought together viral moments, major controversies, and online debates that captured readers' attention across the internet.

From the 2026 Winter Olympics drama and celebrity headlines to political discussions, these 10 articles quickly gained traction and sparked strong opinions.

While some stories surprised the readers, others fueled ongoing conversations online. Here's a quick roundup of the top stories that went viral onBored Pandaand kept people clicking, commenting, and sharing.

The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics noted fresh controversy after the ice dance competition sparked accusations of judging bias.American favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates were defeated by the French duo of Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron, sparking a widespread online debate.The backlash centered on one French judge's scorecard, which reportedly placed the French pair nearly eight points ahead of Team USA despite viewers pointing out visible errors in the winning routine.Furthermore, critics argued that the discrepancy unfairly impacted the final standings, with the French duo finishing on 225.82 points compared to the Americans' 224.39.The controversy further escalated when Italian skater Marco Fabbri, who finished fourth, openly stated that Chock and Bates deserved the win.According toNewsweek,"I usually prefer Laurence and Guillaume, but tonight, Chock and Bates deserved it."Fans also flooded social media with complaints, claiming the judging overlooked mistakes and favored national interests."3 clear mistakes and judges still gave the French team level 4s. It's just criminal," wrote one user.As frustration intensified, a Change.org petition calling for an independent investigation by the IOC and ISU gained traction quickly.Many viewers compared the situation to the infamous 2022 "SkateGate" scandal, where judging bias led to dual gold medals being awarded.

© Photo:Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

After the tragic passing ofDawson's Creekstar James Van Der Beek, a GoFundMe campaign was launched for his family, which led to a heated online debate.The fundraiser was created to support his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, citing heavy medical expenses and financial strain caused by years of treatment.The campaign surpassed its initial $500,000 goal within hours and eventually crossed $1.3 million after the target was raised to $1 million.While many supporters donated and expressed sympathy, others questioned why the family of a former Hollywood star needed crowdfunding at all.Online criticism zeroed in on the family's large ranch outside Austin, suggesting they should downsize instead of seeking public donations."So they want to stay in their big house and keep the kids in private school. I feel bad for them, but maybe cut back, and you won't need handouts," one said.The discussion further expanded with commenters debating health insurance, life insurance, and the broader financial burden of serious illness in the U.S."This is heartbreaking. Did they not have life insurance, decent health insurance, investments, paid off mortgages?" one netizen wrote.The late star had previously acknowledged his financial struggles, auctioning memorabilia fromDawson's Creekand Varsity Blues to help pay for treatment.

© Photo:vanderjames

After his name appeared more than 150 times in documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein released by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Dalai Lama issued a public statement.The files included emails referencing events the spiritual leader was expected to attend. It also revealed discussions about arranging possible dinners involving him.According to reports, one email noted plans to attend an event where Lama was scheduled to appear. Other emails showed Epstein and his associates discussing attempts to set up meetings.However, the documents did not confirm any direct meeting between the two or indicate that contact actually took place.In response, Lama's office released a statement on X."Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the Epstein files are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein," the statement posted on X began."We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorized any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness's behalf," it added.The clarification came as lawmakers prepared to review unredacted versions of the files, which have also referenced numerous high-profile public figures.

© Photo:Elke Scholiers/Getty Images

A new twist emerged in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie after a former senior FBI official questioned whether her case is actually a kidnapping.The 84-year-old went missing on February 1, 2026, from her Tucson, Arizona, home. She is the mother ofTODAYhost, Savannah Guthrie.Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker publicly expressed skepticism about the kidnapping theory, suggesting the messages could have come from opportunists rather than genuine abductors."Remember now, it was 1 million not too long ago. All of a sudden, it's 6 million," he said during his appearance onThe Big Weekend Show."If this were a kidnapping, it would be a very simple matter to authenticate and provide proof of life.""You have to allow for the possibility that this was something more or something other than a kidnapping.""I really think there's a third party here that's just playing with them, opportunists who think they can exploit this situation," he added.Previously, authorities revealed that the ransom note contained detailed references to Nancy's home, including mentions of her Apple Watch and security lighting. This revelation raised concerns that the sender had insider knowledge.

© Photo:Nathan Congleton/Getty Images

Melania Trump became the center of online scrutiny after close-up photos from a windy public appearance went viral, with social media users zeroing in on her hairline and the back of her head.The images were shared widely on Threads and sparked claims that they showed extensions, uneven blending, or thinning spots.As soon as the images went viral, online viewers began a heated discussion about appearance and celebrity image."I love how she's just as bald as he is. So many extensions, toppers, and comb-overs," wrote one user.Others speculated about cosmetic procedures, while some comments shifted from appearance to criticism of her role as first lady."Has she had a forehead reduction, or maybe a scalp reduction. LOL," one user joked, while another added, "Not only bald but is a clueless, useless so-called first woman in WH."However, the backlash was met with strong defense from supporters who argued the discussion had gone too far."I see zero baldness in these photos, nor extensions. But even if she does wear them, so do 90% of beautiful women," one commenter wrote, while another called the mockery "third-grade" behavior.

© Photo:Taylor Hill/Getty Images

After his All-American Halftime Show, Kid Rock faced heavy online backlash. Organized by Turning Point USA as an alternative to the NFL's official halftime performance by Bad Bunny, critics labelled the event "Temu Halftime" and "Redneck Halftime".One viewer joked it looked like a "Dollar Tree parking lot" production.The country-heavy concert, featuring Kid Rock alongside Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett, was streamed online and framed as both a rival show and a tribute to the late TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.During his set, Rock performed a cover of Cody Johnson'sTil You Can'twith a religious verse dedicated to Kirk.Following accusations of lip-syncing and criticism of the event's concept, Kid Rock responded on X by promoting the studio release of his performance.He shared that the song was "one of the best written songs I have heard in a long time."His post quickly gained traction. "Sorry, I didn't tune into… I was busy watching Bad Bunny crush it," one said, while another wrote, "Coming out and lip syncing is not a good performance."Others praised the tribute, calling it "beautiful" and applauding the heartfelt message.

© Photo:turningpointusa

Bad Bunny's historic 2026 Super Bowl halftime show became one of the week's biggest talking points after conservative voices called for an official inquiry over its lyrics and cultural messaging.The Puerto Rican artist made history as the first performer to deliver an entire halftime show in Spanish, filling the stage with references to Puerto Rican culture, including sugarcane fields, street vendors, and Latin celebrity appearances.While many praised the performances as a celebration of the Latino community, critics argued the show included inappropriate themes for a family broadcast.Commentator Megan Basham called the lyrics "the most obscene" ever heard at a halftime show. Republican Rep. Andy Ogles described it as "pure smut" and said, "American culture will not be mocked or corrupted without consequence."Ogles later revealed he requested a congressional inquiry into the NFL and broadcaster NBCUniversal over the performance's approval.Despite the criticism, supporters pushed back. "Are there not more pressing issues to be addressed than a 15-minute halftime show?" one said.

© Photo:NFL

Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier went viral at the 2026 Winter Olympics after a mid-performance costume malfunction nearly threatened their medal chances.During their rhythm dance at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, a black arm cuff from Poirier's costume tore loose and became caught on Gilles' tights during a lift-and-spin sequence.Under International Skating Union rules, costume pieces falling onto the ice can result in a 1.0-point deduction because they pose a safety risk. Such a penalty could have dropped the duo down the standings and potentially out of medal contention.In a moment praised across social media, Gilles quickly grabbed the loose fabric mid-routine and concealed it behind her back before it touched the ice. Her act allowed the pair to complete their performance without penalty and scored 86.18.Viewers celebrated the quick thinking, with one fan calling it "the greatest costume save in ice dance history."Another wrote, "I had to watch it three times to spot it — well done."

© Photo:Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Erika Kirk sparked online debate after viewers noticed a change in the background of her late husband Charlie Kirk's office.Charlie, who was assassinated in September 2025, previously used the space to record his podcast,The Charlie Kirk Show,where a framed wedding photo of the couple was visible on a bookshelf.In Erika's recent appearance, filmed in the same office, the photo appeared to be replaced by a scripture prompting speculation on social media.One viral post claimed, "ERIKA KIRK REMOVED THEIR WEDDING PHOTO," drawing millions of views and thousands of reactions.Critics accused her of moving on too quickly, with comments ranging from "I feel so bad for Charlie" to claims she was using attention to build a political profile.Others pushed back against the backlash, urging caution and noting there is no proof she moved the photo. "Maybe she put it on her nightstand. Y'all are jumping to bad conclusions," one commenter wrote.Erika had previously addressed public criticism, saying she has left much of Charlie's belongings untouched and that "there is no linear blueprint for grief."

© Photo:Gage Skidmore/Flickr

During a February 10 episode ofThe Joe Rogan Experience,Joe Rogan addressed his mention in the Epstein files. He clarified that his name appeared because Jeffrey Epstein had attempted, unsuccessfully, to arrange a meeting with him.According to emails released as part of the DOJ's Epstein files disclosure, the predator asked physicist Lawrence Krauss to introduce him to Rogan after the podcaster's show gained popularity.Rogan said he immediately rejected the idea, telling listeners, "I am in the files for not going because Jeffrey Epstein was trying to meet with me."When asked if he was glad he never met Epstein, Rogan replied, "Yes," adding that it was "not even a possibility." He also criticized people who seek proximity to wealth and influence, saying some become "intoxicated by being in a circle of rich and powerful people."He further slammed reports stating investigators found no evidence Epstein ran a trafficking operation involving powerful associates, calling the conclusion "the gaslightiest gaslighting" he had heard.

© Photo:JRE Clips

byAndy Corry

in

February 14, 2026

10 Most Read Stories Of The Week

This week'sBored Panda'smost-read stories brought together viral moments, major controversies, and online debate...

Read More

The mental hurdle of ‘The Moment’ affects even the greats like Ilia Malinin and Mikaela Shiffrin

The great ones make it look so easy that we forget how hard it is to be exceptional.

Secretariat running like a machine in the Belmont and Michael Phelps gobbling up gold medals in 2008; Tom Brady engineering seven Super Bowl victories and Simone Biles coming back for more golds after battling the twisties; Carl Lewis winning golds in 1984, 1988, 1992, and 1996 and Katie Ledecky lapping Olympians like she's out for a rec league swim.

There is, however, a fragility to true excellence. As thin, you might say, as a skate blade or a ski's edge.

WhatIlia Malininfailed to do in his free skate at these Olympics and whatMikaela Shiffrinhas struggled to do at her last Games and in her first event here do not erase anything that they have accomplished elsewhere. They are champions.

Alas, the reality of sports demands that true greatness is measured only on the biggest stage, where the physical strength and innate talent gifted to every superior athlete takes a backseat to mental fortitude. It becomes more about compartmentalizing while simultaneously absorbing the moment, blocking out the noise and still embracing the pressure.

It is true for every athlete in every sport, the delineation between having an asterisk – the greatest who never won – to just being the greatest.

But reaching that singular plateau is especially tricky for Olympic athletes. Like Malinin and Shiffrin, they can achieve record-setting numbers in the off years between the quad cycle only to have it all rendered irrelevant by one misstep in the Games.

In the course of her track career, Mary Decker Slaney set 17 official and unofficial world records and became the first woman to run a sub 4:20 in the mile. Even now, more than 40 years later, the lasting image of her career is of Decker laying on the track in anguish and tears after colliding with Zola Budd in the 1984 Olympic 3,000-meter run. She never got a gold.

Everyone remembers the "Miracle on Ice." No one talks much about the heavily-favored Russian team that had won five of the previous six gold Olympic gold medals only to lose to the upstart Americans.

Shiffrin, who has succeed and failed in three Games prior to this one, talked about the unique spotlight of the Olympics before racing here. She said she wished more people recognized what happens during the longevity of a career versus the quadrennial, three-week window of the Olympics. But she's also smart enough to understand that's not how it works.

Sometimes, Olympians are like basketball teams that win big in the regular season only to get bounced in the NCAA Tournament or the NBA Playoffs.

Kentucky won 38 games in 2014-15 and lost one, but the one came in the national semifinal to Wisconsin. The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors went a record 73-9 in the regular season and were 3-1 up in the NBA Finals – but they unbelievably lost to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.

No banner, no glory.

Pressure is a privilege?

"I really chose to believe that it's a beautiful gift, despite maybe feeling a little bit of pressure at times,'' Shiffrin said.

"Knowing that judgments can be made on the sole moment when there's so much else that has gone into the course of the last four years, in the last eight years and 16 years of my career so far, so pressure can exist. Billie Jean King said pressure is a privilege, but maybe that doesn't always feel that way.''

Malinin discovered the enormity of the Games only when it was too late. "It's not like any other competition,'' Malinin said. "It's the Olympics, and I think people only realize the pressure and the nerves that actually happen from the inside. It was just something that overwhelmed me, and I felt like I had no control.''

It is a strange tightrope if you think about it – to be so incredibly gifted that everyone presumes you will win, and yet in that very presumption is the biggest obstacle to keep you from winning.

With apologies to Thanos, both Malinin and Shiffrin seemed inevitable here.

Malinin took the ice in Milan having not lost a competition in more than two years. He held a commanding five-point lead heading into the free skate, a gap that only widened while his challengers skidded and fell before him. Average "Quad God" would have earned him a gold medal.

Instead, Malinin popped his quad axel, the beginning of four minutes that started to feel like rubbernecking a car accident. You didn't want to watch; you couldn't stop watching.

His failure in real time was somehow more jaw-dropping for its unexpected underperformance than his usual quad-popping is for its overperformance. "All the traumatic moments of my life really just started flooding my head," he said later.

Changing the narrative?

Malinin now has four long years to determine if this moment defines his career or not, something Shiffrin understands all too well. Four years ago, she entered six events in Beijing, a favored to medal in each. She failed to finish three races and didn't medal in the others. Much like Decker left on the track, Shiffrin's lasting imagine from 2022 was of her sitting in the snow, as if unsure what had just happened.

Which is what raised the stakes on Sunday, when she stepped into the starting gate for her portion of the alpine skiing women's team combined.

Gifted a first-place cushion by her downhill partner – gold medalistBreezy Johnson– Shiffrin, much like Malinin, only needed to be herself to secure gold. With108 World Cup victorieson Shiffrin's resume, 71 of them in the slalom, even her US teammate Jacqueline Wiles figured the day was as good as done. Clinging to third place and needing Shiffrin to fail to reach the podium, Wiles conceded, "We need a miracle.''

And then Shiffrin skied, tentatively and unassuredly. She didn't fall, she just failed to rise up to the moment. She finished 15th out of 18 skiers, her worst finish in more than 13 years and the tandem of Johnson and Shiffrin went from gold medal favorites to off the podium.

Taken in a vacuum, it would have been mystifying. Combined with Shiffrin's horrific Games in Beijing four years ago – three DNFs and three finishes off the podium in six events – it was fair to question if she had a sort of Olympic block.

Shiffrin has the blessing and the curse of two more tries. She gets the redo, but having failed already, that pressure she spoke of only grows. And her next event has been her recent nemesis: the giant slalom.

In November 2024, shesuffered what turned out to be a near life-threatening puncture woundduring a race in that event in Killington, Vermont. It left her with real trauma response and even when she returned to competition two months later, she struggled in the faster GS than in slalom. She went 12 races without reaching the podium, from January 2024 to the last GS race prior to the Olympics in January of this year, where she took bronze.

"I'm at a point now where I'm excited to ski fast in the GS,'' she said.

"There's maybe, you know, five turns in the course where I'm thinking that's enough. And that might not be anything about mental. That just might be that I don't particularly like to go that fast.''

If that doesn't go well, there is the slalom on Wednesday.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byAndy Corry

in

February 14, 2026

The mental hurdle of ‘The Moment’ affects even the greats like Ilia Malinin and Mikaela Shiffrin

The great ones make it look so easy that we forget how hard it is to be exceptional. Secretariat running like a machine in the Belmont an...

Read More

When do MLB spring training games start? 2026 schedule

Spring has sprung asMajor League Baseball's 30 teams gather atcamps in Florida and Arizonaahead of the 2026 season.

TheLos Angeles Dodgersbegin spring training as the favorites towin a third consecutive World Seriestitle and are set to play their first Cactus League game on Saturday, Feb. 21. The first official spring training games take place Feb. 20, with theNew York YankeesandBaltimore Orioleskicking off the Grapefruit League slate on Friday afternoon.

With the World Baseball Classic beginning on March 5, participating players will soon depart their clubs' camps to gather with national teams. The 2026 regular season begins on March 25 with theSan Francisco Giantshosting the Yankees.

Here's what to know for the opening days of spring training games:

MLB spring training 2026: Sunshine, good vibes in Arizona and Florida

MLB spring training schedule 2026

All times Eastern

Friday, Feb. 20

• Yankees at Orioles, 1:05 p.m.

• Royals at Rangers, 3:05 p.m.

• White Sox at Cubs, 3:05 p.m.

• Diamondbacks at Rockies, 3:10 p.m.

• Padres at Mariners, 3:10 p.m.

• Northeastern University at Red Sox, 1:05 p.m. (exhibition)

• University of Minnesota at Twins, 6:05 p.m. (exhibition)

Saturday, Feb. 21

• Astros at Nationals, 1:05 p.m.

• Pirates at Orioles, 1:05 p.m.

• Nationals at Cardinals, 1:05 p.m.

• Red Sox at Twins, 1:05 p.m.

• Braves at Rays, 1:05 p.m.

• Tigers at Yankees, 1:05 p.m.

• Phillies at Blue Jays, 1:07 p.m.

• Marlins at Mets, 1:10 p.m.

• Reds at Guardians (split squad), 3:05 p.m.

• Padres at Royals, 3:05 p.m.

• Rangers at Cubs, 3:05 p.m.

• Athletics at White Sox, 3:05 p.m.

• Rockies at Diamondbacks, 3:10 p.m.

• Dodgers at Angels, 3:10 p.m.

• Giants at Mariners, 3:10 p.m.

• Guardians (ss) at Brewers, 3:10 p.m.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:MLB spring training schedule 2026, when do games start?

byAndy Corry

in

February 14, 2026

When do MLB spring training games start? 2026 schedule

Spring has sprung asMajor League Baseball's 30 teams gather atcamps in Florida and Arizonaahead of the 2026 seas...

Read More