LA Officials Call for Resignation of LA28 Chair Wasserman After Epstein Email Release

Pressure mounts on Olympics organizing committee leader over past correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Elected leaders in Los Angeles are calling for the resignation of Casey Wasserman, the chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics organizing committee, following the release of emails showing his past correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later convicted of sex trafficking crimes connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Several city councilmembers, county supervisors, and the city controller have publicly demanded that Wasserman step down, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership. However, the International Olympic Committee has expressed continued support for Wasserman, and the mayor has noted that the decision rests with the LA28 board.

Why it matters

The revelations about Wasserman's past emails with Maxwell have created a distraction and undermined confidence in the leadership of the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Local officials are concerned that Wasserman's continued role could overshadow the event and detract from efforts to ensure the Games reflect the values of the diverse city.

The details

The emails, made public as part of the Justice Department's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, show flirtatious exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell dating back to 2003. Wasserman, who is the grandson of former Universal Studios head Lew Wasserman, has apologized for the correspondence but denied any involvement with Epstein and said he was unaware of Maxwell's criminal activities at the time.

  • The emails were released as part of the Justice Department's latest release of files related to the criminal investigation into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The correspondence between Wasserman and Maxwell occurred more than 20 years ago, in 2003.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics organizing committee and the grandson of former Universal Studios head Lew Wasserman.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A former associate of Jeffrey Epstein who was later convicted of sex trafficking crimes connected to Epstein.

Hugo Soto-Martinez

A Los Angeles City Councilmember who has called for Wasserman to step aside.

Nicole Hoevertsz

An International Olympic Committee Vice President who has expressed continued support for Wasserman.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles who has noted that the decision about Wasserman's leadership rests with the LA28 board.

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What they’re saying

“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 Councilmember (westsidetoday.com)

“I have full trust in Casey Wasserman and his team.”

— Nicole Hoevertsz, IOC Vice President (westsidetoday.com)

What’s next

The LA28 board will determine whether Wasserman remains in his role as chairman of the Olympics organizing committee.

The takeaway

The revelations about Wasserman's past correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell have created a distraction and undermined confidence in the leadership of the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. While local officials are calling for his resignation, the International Olympic Committee has expressed continued support, and the mayor has noted that the decision rests with the LA28 board.