Entertainment mogul Casey Wasserman, who also serves as the chair for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is in the process of selling his talent agency. This decision comes amid criticism linked to his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

In a memo accessed by Eyewitness News, Wasserman communicated to his team on Friday, expressing that he feels he has “become a distraction” and is “initiating the sale of the company.”

“Our team of 4,000 is unparalleled in the industry. Each day, I witness your dedication and commitment to our clients,” Wasserman praised in his message. “Our clients demand and deserve top-tier representation, and that’s precisely what you deliver.”

He continued, “Currently, I believe my presence detracts from our collective efforts. Thus, I have taken steps to sell the company, a process that is already in motion.”

Wasserman’s decision follows increased scrutiny after documents from the Justice Department surfaced, revealing his 2003 email exchanges with Maxwell. These exchanges took place prior to her involvement in aiding Epstein’s criminal activities.

Upon the release of these documents, Wasserman responded by expressing regret over the correspondence, emphasizing it happened “well before her terrible actions were revealed.” Notably, he has not been implicated in any of Epstein’s misconduct.

“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.