LA Mayor Demands Resignation of Olympics Chair Over Epstein Connections
Pressure intensified on Tuesday against Casey Wasserman, the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, after Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass publicly called for his resignation over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Mayor's Public Stance Against Board Decision
In a late Monday interview with CNN, Mayor Bass stated unequivocally, "my opinion is that he should step down." This declaration comes despite the LA 2028 organizing board voting just last week to retain Wasserman following an external legal review of his contacts with Epstein and Maxwell. Bass emphasized, "I think that decision was unfortunate. I don't support the decision. I do think that we need to look at the leadership."
The mayor clarified her limited authority in the matter, noting "I cannot fire him," but her public stance represents significant political pressure on Wasserman and the organizing committee.
Fallout from Released Emails
The controversy stems from flirtatious emails between Wasserman and Maxwell from 2003 that were published in a release of U.S. government files just days before the Milano Cortina Winter Games opened this month. While Wasserman has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein and Maxwell, the revelation has created substantial distractions for the International Olympic Committee during its premier winter event.
The IOC has consistently deflected questions about Wasserman, with spokesperson Mark Adams stating Tuesday in Milan, "I understand there are many conversations happening at this moment but I will not make any further comment. This is obviously a matter for the board of LA28 still at this stage."
Business and Reputational Consequences
Wasserman's position has grown increasingly precarious as the entertainment and sports agency he founded and that bears his name has lost significant clients in the fallout from the email revelations. High-profile departures include pop star Chappell Roan and former world's best women's soccer player Abby Wambach. Wasserman is now in the process of selling the agency entirely.
In a statement issued before traveling to Milan for the Winter Games, Wasserman expressed regret, saying "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell," which occurred "long before her horrific crimes came to light." Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on five counts of sex trafficking and abuse of minors and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.
Olympic Preparations Continue Amid Controversy
Despite the growing controversy, Mayor Bass emphasized her primary responsibility remains ensuring Los Angeles hosts a successful Olympics. "My job as mayor of Los Angeles is to make sure that our city is completely prepared to have the best Olympics that has ever happened in Olympic history," she told CNN.
Both Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom play crucial roles in the success of the LA Olympics and Paralympics by coordinating government support for the complex logistical challenges that will dominate the city in July and August of 2028.
Wasserman's Central Role in LA Olympics
Wasserman has been a driving force behind the LA Olympics since the bid launched in 2015. Questions about his status have circulated since before his arrival in Milan two weeks ago, where he met with IOC members and attended the Winter Games opening ceremony.
During the IOC's annual meeting, the LA organizing team provided updates on hosting plans. Wasserman and other officials fielded questions about practical matters like visa processing for international visitors but avoided discussions of personal controversies. Notably, they did not meet with international media afterward, while officials from other future Olympic hosts did conduct such meetings.
The situation continues to evolve as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Games, with leadership questions now overshadowing logistical planning for what should be a celebratory international event.
