LA Olympics Leader Faces Calls to Resign Over Emails with Ghislaine Maxwell

Casey Wasserman apologizes for his connection to Epstein and Maxwell as officials demand his resignation.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:31pm

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Calls are growing for Casey Wasserman, the head of the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, to resign over racy emails exchanged with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. The trove of documents included flirtatious emails from 2003 between Wasserman and Maxwell, prompting L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and other elected leaders to demand Wasserman's resignation, stating his connection to the scandal distracts from the Olympics preparations.

Why it matters

Wasserman's connection to the Epstein-Maxwell scandal has raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, as officials believe his involvement could overshadow the focus on the athletes and the event preparations.

The details

The emails between Wasserman and Maxwell included flirtatious messages, such as Wasserman telling Maxwell "I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?" and Maxwell asking whether it will be foggy enough during an upcoming visit "so that you can float naked down the beach and no one can see you unless they are close up?" Wasserman responded, "or something like that." Wasserman has apologized for his correspondence with Maxwell, stating it occurred "long before her horrific crimes came to light" and that he never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

  • The emails between Wasserman and Maxwell were from 2003.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The head of the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee who is facing calls to resign over his emails with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A former socialite who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse underage girls.

Janice Hahn

A Los Angeles County Supervisor who is calling for Wasserman to step down, stating his connection to the scandal distracts from the Olympics preparations.

Hugo Soto-Martinez

A Los Angeles City Council member who is also calling for Wasserman to resign.

Imelda Padilla

A Los Angeles City Council member who is also calling for Wasserman to resign.

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What they’re saying

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

— Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor (abc7.com)

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

— Casey Wasserman (abc7.com)

What’s next

The Los Angeles City Council and other officials will continue to pressure Wasserman to resign from his position leading the LA28 Olympic committee.

The takeaway

Wasserman's connection to the Epstein-Maxwell scandal has raised serious concerns about his ability to effectively lead the Los Angeles Olympics organizing efforts, with officials arguing his involvement could overshadow the focus on the athletes and event preparations.