Los Angeles Mayor Calls for Olympic Chairman's Resignation Over Maxwell Connections
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly demanded that Casey Wasserman step down from his role as chairman of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee. This call comes in response to recently disclosed email exchanges between Wasserman and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, which date back over two decades.
Revelations from Justice Department Files
Late last month, the U.S. Justice Department released files containing flirtatious email communications from the early 2000s involving Wasserman and Maxwell. Maxwell, the former girlfriend of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been a central figure in high-profile criminal cases. Wasserman has consistently denied having any personal or business relationship with Epstein, and he previously apologized for his association with Maxwell, emphasizing that it occurred before her crimes or Epstein's were publicly known.
Board Review and Decision
Last week, the LA28 board conducted a review of Wasserman's interactions with Epstein and Maxwell. The board concluded that his relationship did not extend beyond what had already been documented publicly and decided he should remain as chairman. According to the board, Wasserman's only interaction with Epstein was a single humanitarian mission to Africa on Epstein's plane, invited by the Clinton Foundation, over 23 years ago. Shortly after this trip, he exchanged emails with Maxwell.
The board praised Wasserman's "strong leadership" in overseeing the LA28 committee for the past decade, highlighting his contributions to preparing for the 2028 Games.
Mayor Bass's Stance
In an interview with CNN, Mayor Bass expressed her disagreement with the board's decision, stating, "My opinion is that he should step down. That's not the opinion of the board." She described the board's choice as "unfortunate" and unsupported by her, adding, "I think that we need to look at the leadership."
However, Bass acknowledged that she does not have the authority to fire Wasserman. Her primary focus remains on ensuring Los Angeles is fully prepared to host what she hopes will be "the best Olympics that has ever happened in Olympic history." She emphasized her long-standing work on issues related to Maxwell's behavior, calling it "abhorrent."
Wasserman's Recent Actions
Amid the controversy, The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Wasserman is putting his talent and marketing agency up for sale. He informed employees that he felt he had "become a distraction" to the company's operations and has initiated the sale process. This move underscores the ongoing impact of the revelations on his professional life beyond the Olympic committee.
The situation continues to unfold as Los Angeles gears up for the 2028 Games, with leadership and public trust remaining key concerns for city officials and stakeholders.
