LA28 board backs Casey Wasserman after Epstein files stir scrutiny

LA Olympics Chair Casey Wasserman Retains Position Despite Epstein File Revelations

Casey Wasserman will remain as chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee despite his appearance in recently released government files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The LA28 board’s executive committee announced their decision Wednesday after conducting a thorough review of Wasserman’s past connections to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The committee confirmed that with the assistance of an outside legal firm and Wasserman’s full cooperation, they determined his relationship with Epstein and Maxwell “did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented.”

“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,” the statement read.

Wasserman has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. However, documents released by the Justice Department revealed that in 2003, he exchanged flirtatious emails with Maxwell, who was later convicted for her role in helping Epstein recruit and sexually abuse victims.

In one of the revealed exchanges, Wasserman wrote to Maxwell: “I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” These communications occurred long before Maxwell’s crimes became public knowledge.

Following the disclosure of these emails, Wasserman issued an apology, expressing regret for his correspondence with Maxwell, “which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light.”

According to the executive committee’s statement, Wasserman’s only direct interaction with Epstein occurred in 2002, when he and his then-wife Laura flew on Epstein’s private plane for a humanitarian mission to Africa at the invitation of the Clinton Foundation. “Shortly after, he traded the publicly-known emails with Maxwell,” the committee noted.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has declined to put additional public pressure on Wasserman to step down, seemingly deferring to the LA28 board’s judgment on the matter.

Despite the board’s vote of confidence, Wasserman’s eponymous sports marketing and talent-management agency continues to face fallout from the revelations. Several high-profile clients have terminated their relationships with the company in recent days.

On Wednesday, retired U.S. women’s soccer star Abby Wambach announced via Instagram that she had left the Wasserman agency after reading his emails contained in the Epstein files. “Casey should resign,” Wambach wrote. “He should leave, so more people like me don’t have to.”

Wambach joins Grammy-winning singer Chappell Roan and at least five other artists who have either demanded Wasserman step down from his agency or stated they plan to leave his representation altogether.

The controversy has also drawn attention from local government officials. Some members of the Los Angeles city council and county board of supervisors have publicly called for Wasserman to resign from his Olympic leadership position.

The LA28 executive committee’s decision to retain Wasserman comes at a critical time for Olympic preparations. With less than four years remaining before the Summer Games return to Los Angeles for the first time since 1984, organizers are working to finalize venues, secure sponsors, and ensure the city’s infrastructure can handle the massive international event.

Wasserman, a prominent figure in the sports and entertainment industry, has been leading the Olympic organizing efforts since Los Angeles was awarded the Games in 2017. His continued leadership will be closely watched as preparations intensify and as the Olympics face increasing scrutiny over governance issues and leadership standards.