Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass publicly called for Casey Wasserman to step down as chair of the LA28 Olympics Organizing Committee on Monday, breaking weeks of silence on the matter. Bass stated her opinion that Wasserman should resign during a CNN interview with Dana Bash.
Controversy and Calls for Resignation
While acknowledging the LA28 board’s authority over its leadership, Bass indicated she did not support their recent decision to retain Wasserman in his position. She emphasized her priority is ensuring Los Angeles is “completely prepared to have the best Olympics that has ever happened in Olympic history.”
Bass is not alone in calling for Wasserman’s resignation. L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia, and City Council members Hugo Soto-Martinez, Monica Rodriguez, and Imelda Padilla have also publicly requested he step down.
Despite these calls, the LA28 Executive Committee Board last week voiced its support for Wasserman to continue leading the Olympic organizing effort. This decision followed an independent investigation, conducted by O’Melveny & Myers LLP, into Wasserman’s past interactions with Ghislaine Maxwell, who has been convicted of sex trafficking.
Investigation Findings
The board stated the investigation found Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell “did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented.” According to the board, the interactions consisted of the 2002 trip and a series of emails exchanged shortly thereafter.
Wasserman himself has expressed regret over his correspondence with Maxwell, stating he deeply regrets the emails which took place before her “horrific crimes came to light.” He maintains he never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The controversy stems from the recent release of Epstein documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, revealing email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell, including flirtatious remarks. Wasserman has since announced plans to sell his talent agency, Wasserman, stating he has become a distraction. Mike Watts will assume day-to-day control of the agency during this process.
Wasserman’s agency has already experienced fallout, with clients including singer Chappell Roan and retired soccer star Abby Wambach parting ways with the firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the calls for Wasserman’s resignation?
The calls for Wasserman’s resignation were prompted by the release of Epstein documents revealing email exchanges between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell.
What did the LA28 Executive Committee Board say about the investigation?
The LA28 Executive Committee Board stated that the independent investigation found Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what was already publicly known.
What has Wasserman said in response to the controversy?
Wasserman has stated he deeply regrets his correspondence with Maxwell and that he never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He also announced his intention to sell his talent agency.
As the 2028 Olympics approach, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what impact it may have on the preparations for the Games.
