Los Angeles Mayor Demands Resignation of 2028 Olympics Chairman Over Epstein Scandal
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly called for Casey Wasserman to resign from his position as chairman of the 2028 Olympic Games organizing committee. This demand follows the revelation that Wasserman exchanged flirtatious emails with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, as documented in the latest release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files by the Department of Justice.
Flirtatious Emails with Maxwell Exposed
The emails, dated from 2003, show Wasserman, aged 51, discussing topics such as 'massages,' 'rubbing,' and naked beach activities with Maxwell. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her involvement in Epstein's abuse of underage girls. In a statement to the Daily Mail, Wasserman expressed deep regret over the emails and clarified that he never had any personal or business relationship with Epstein himself.
Wasserman is a prominent sports executive and talent scout who played a crucial role in securing Los Angeles's winning bid to host the Summer Olympics. The city has previously hosted the Games twice, and with billions of dollars and its global reputation at stake, the leadership of the organizing committee has become a highly sensitive political issue.
Bass's Limited Authority and Political Context
In an interview with CNN, Mayor Bass acknowledged that she does not possess the authority to fire Wasserman directly. Only the nonprofit board overseeing the Olympics can make that decision. Bass stated, 'I do have an opinion. My opinion is that he should step down. That’s not the opinion of the board.' This call for resignation comes as Bass faces her own political challenges, particularly regarding her handling of the devastating wildfires that struck LA County in 2025.
Wildfire Criticism and Recall Efforts
Bass has encountered mounting criticism over her response to the Palisades Fire, which occurred in January 2025. The wildfire resulted in 12 fatalities, scorched over 23,000 acres, and destroyed thousands of structures. Critics have highlighted her decision to travel to Ghana just three days before the fire erupted, despite advance warnings from the National Weather Service.
Reflecting on this in a February 2025 interview, Bass admitted, 'I hated the fact that I was out of the city when the city needed me the most. It is a horrible feeling to know that it took a long time to come back because of how far away I was. It was a mistake to travel.' She added that with full information, she would not have left town.
Alterations to Wildfire Report and Denials
Further controversy arose in December when the Los Angeles Times reported that an October after-action report on the wildfire had been edited to downplay failures by city and fire department officials. The newspaper obtained seven versions of the document through California's public records law, revealing key discrepancies. For instance, language admitting that standard procedures were not followed—such as the decision against an emergency deployment of approximately 1,000 firefighters and dozens of trucks—was removed.
A February 4 report by the LA Times alleged that Bass directed then-interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva to soften or remove findings that could expose the city to legal liabilities. A spokesperson for Bass dismissed the report as 'muckraking journalism at its lowest form' and denied any tampering with the document.
Recall Petitions and Political Resilience
Despite over 200,000 signatures on a petition demanding her recall, Bass has largely brushed off calls for her resignation. At a recent press conference, she emphasized, 'My number one focus and the focus of all of us here is we have to protect lives, save lives and save homes.' She pledged to conduct an evaluation once safety is ensured to assess what worked and hold accountable any responsible parties.
When questioned about her leadership effectiveness, Bass reiterated her commitment to immediate priorities. An earlier recall effort led by Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s running mate in the 2024 presidential election, failed after failing to gather the required 330,000 signatures within four months.
As the 2028 Olympics approach, the dual scandals involving Wasserman's emails and Bass's wildfire management continue to cast a shadow over Los Angeles's preparations, highlighting the intricate interplay between sports governance and local political accountability.
