LA28 Officials Stand by Wasserman Despite Epstein Ties

Board cites independent review, Wasserman's leadership in keeping him as Olympics organizing chair

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite calls for his resignation over his past interactions with Ghislaine Maxwell, the LA28 Executive Committee Board has expressed continued support for Casey Wasserman to remain as chair of the Olympic organizing effort for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. The board cited an independent review that found Wasserman's relationship with Maxwell and the late Jeffrey Epstein was limited, as well as his strong leadership over the past decade.

Why it matters

The decision to keep Wasserman in his role as LA28 chair comes amid growing scrutiny over his past connections to figures involved in the Epstein sex trafficking scandal. The board's backing of Wasserman highlights the challenges of vetting and holding leaders accountable, especially in high-profile events like the Olympics.

The details

An independent investigation by the law firm O'Melveny & Myers LLP examined Wasserman's past interactions with Maxwell and Epstein. The board said the review found that Wasserman's relationship with the two was limited to a humanitarian trip he took to Africa in 2002 on Epstein's plane at the invitation of the Clinton Foundation, as well as some email exchanges with Maxwell from 2003 that were "flirtatious" but did not indicate a deeper personal or business relationship. The board determined that based on these findings, and Wasserman's "strong leadership" over the past 10 years, he should continue leading the LA28 organizing effort.

  • In January 2026, a new batch of Epstein documents was released by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of its investigation into the late financier.
  • On February 11, 2026, the LA28 Executive Committee Board announced its decision to keep Wasserman as chair of the Olympic organizing effort.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The 51-year-old founder and CEO of Wasserman, a sports marketing and talent agency, and the grandson of legendary Hollywood agent Lew Wasserman. He has served as the chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee for the past 10 years.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A former associate of the late Jeffrey Epstein who was convicted in 2021 on federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy for helping Epstein procure underage girls and young women.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was accused of procuring underage girls to perform sexual favors for various highly influential millionaires and billionaires at a private island.

LA28 Executive Committee Board

The leaders responsible for planning and executing the preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

The law firm hired by LA28 to conduct an independent review of Wasserman's past interactions with Maxwell and Epstein.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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)

The takeaway

The LA28 board's decision to keep Wasserman in his leadership role despite his past connections to figures involved in the Epstein scandal underscores the challenges of vetting and holding high-profile leaders accountable, especially for events as significant as the Olympics. The board's reliance on an independent review and Wasserman's past decade of leadership raises questions about how organizations balance concerns over misconduct with the need for stability and experience in their leadership.