LA Olympics Chair Defies Mayor's Resignation Call Over Epstein Ties
Casey Wasserman remains in position despite Karen Bass urging his departure over Maxwell correspondence
Los Angeles finds itself embroiled in a damaging controversy just two years before hosting the 2028 Olympics, as the organizing committee's leadership faces mounting scrutiny over connections to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein's inner circle.
Mayor Karen Bass has publicly called for Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA 2028 organizing committee, to step down after emails between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell were revealed, according to The Guardian. Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and accomplice, was convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for sexual abuse.
The mayor's position puts her at direct odds with the Olympic organizing board, which voted last week to retain Wasserman despite the revelations. Bass told CNN that "my opinion is that he should step down," creating an unprecedented rift between the city's leadership and the Olympic organizing committee.
This internal conflict threatens to overshadow what should be a period of celebration and preparation for Los Angeles as it prepares to host the world's premier sporting event. The 2028 Olympics represent a massive opportunity for the city to showcase itself on the global stage, but the controversy risks casting a shadow over the entire endeavor.
The timing could hardly be worse for Los Angeles. With less than two years remaining before the Games begin, the organizing committee needs unified leadership and clear public support to execute the complex logistics required for a successful Olympics. Instead, the city faces questions about the judgment and associations of its Olympic leadership.
Wasserman's decision to remain in his position despite the mayor's public call for his resignation suggests a deepening institutional crisis. The organizing board's support for Wasserman directly contradicts the city's chief executive, creating confusion about who ultimately has authority over Olympic preparations.
The revelation of correspondence with Maxwell raises serious questions about Wasserman's judgment and associations during a period when public trust in institutions remains fragile. For a city preparing to welcome the world's athletes and millions of visitors, having Olympic leadership connected to one of the most notorious criminal networks in recent memory presents a significant reputational risk.
The standoff between Bass and the organizing committee also highlights broader governance challenges facing the 2028 Games. Unlike some previous Olympics where organizing committees operated with clearer municipal oversight, Los Angeles now faces a situation where its Olympic leadership appears willing to defy the mayor's explicit wishes.
As pressure continues to mount, the controversy threatens to become a defining narrative for the LA 2028 Olympics, potentially overshadowing athletic achievements and the city's preparations. The longer Wasserman remains in position against the mayor's wishes, the more entrenched this damaging story becomes in the public consciousness surrounding the Games.