L.A. Officials Call For Wasserman To Resign As 2028 Olympics Chair After Racy Emails

Emails with Ghislaine Maxwell raise concerns about Wasserman's leadership of the Los Angeles Olympics

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:07pm

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Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and other local elected officials have called for Casey Wasserman, the chair of the LA 2028 Olympics committee, to resign over a string of racy emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking for her role in a widespread sexual abuse scandal involving the late Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, which date back to 2003, feature flirtatious remarks between Wasserman and Maxwell, including Wasserman writing that he wanted to see Maxwell in a 'tight leather outfit.' While Wasserman has not been alleged to be involved in Epstein's trafficking and abuse, the depth of his association with Epstein's right-hand lady has left local officials and others in L.A. uneasy about his continued leadership of the 2028 Olympics.

Why it matters

Wasserman's correspondence with Maxwell raises concerns about his judgment and ability to lead the LA 2028 Olympics, which is expected to be one of the largest Olympic events in history. Local officials believe his continued leadership could distract from the focus on the athletes and the preparations for the Games.

The details

The emails between Wasserman and Maxwell were made public as part of the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The emails feature flirtatious remarks from both parties, including Wasserman writing that he wanted to see Maxwell in a 'tight leather outfit,' and Maxwell offering to give him a massage that can 'drive a man wild.' While Wasserman has stated that he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein, his association with Maxwell has left local officials and others in L.A. uneasy about his continued leadership of the 2028 Olympics.

  • The emails were from 2003, long before Maxwell's crimes came to light.
  • Wasserman is currently in Milan, Italy this week for the Winter Olympics with the LA28 delegation.

The players

Janice Hahn

A Los Angeles County Supervisor who is among the L.A. County and city officials working with LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Olympics.

Hugo Soto-Martinez

A Los Angeles City Councilman who issued a statement echoing Hahn's sentiments about Wasserman's need to step down.

Lena Gonzalez

A California State Senator who also called on Wasserman to resign.

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the LA 2028 Olympics committee and the founder and CEO of Wasserman, a sports marketing and talent agency.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's associate who was convicted in 2021 on federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy for helping Epstein procure girls and young women.

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What they’re saying

“Having him represent us on the world stage distracts focus from our athletes and the enormous efforts needed to prepare for 2028.”

— Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor (Los Angeles Times)

“At the same time as Ghislaine Maxwell was orchestrating one of the most notorious sex-trafficking operations in our country's history, she was allegedly romantically involved with the person now serving as chair of LA28. Casey Wasserman should step aside immediately. Anything less is a distraction and undermines efforts to make sure the Games truly reflect the values of a city that is for everyone.”

— Hugo Soto-Martinez, Los Angeles City Councilman (Statement)

“I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light. I never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.”

— Casey Wasserman (Various media outlets)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Wasserman to remain as chair of the LA 2028 Olympics committee.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of vetting and holding leaders accountable, especially those representing a city on the global stage. The revelations about Wasserman's past associations raise questions about his judgment and ability to lead the 2028 Olympics in a way that reflects the values of the diverse city of Los Angeles.