Casey Wasserman's LA28 future in question amid Epstein ties

Wasserman faces pressure over his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein as he looks to sell his agency and focus on delivering the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Casey Wasserman, the chairman and driving force behind the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, is facing intense scrutiny over his past connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The release of Epstein-related documents has sparked a firestorm, leading Wasserman to announce he will sell his entertainment and representation agency to focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The LA28 executive board has expressed confidence in Wasserman's leadership, but some high-profile clients have already departed his agency, and several California politicians have called for him to step down from the organizing committee.

Why it matters

Wasserman's ties to Epstein have cast a cloud over the LA28 Olympics, which he has spearheaded for over a decade. As the face of the organizing committee, Wasserman's future involvement is now in question, raising concerns about the stability and leadership of the 2028 Games. The situation highlights the broader challenges of hosting the Olympics, where organizers must navigate complex political and reputational issues.

The details

In the wake of the Epstein document release, Wasserman has maintained that his associations with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell occurred over 20 years ago, before their criminal behavior was known. The LA28 executive board has conducted a review of Wasserman's conduct and past interactions, ultimately expressing confidence in his leadership. However, numerous high-profile clients have announced they will leave Wasserman's agency, and he has announced plans to sell his interests in the company to focus on the Olympics.

  • The Epstein-related documents were released just days before the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
  • Wasserman left Italy and returned to California in recent days.
  • Wasserman appeared on a panel at a media and technology conference that is part of the events connected to the NBA All-Star weekend on Friday.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The chairman, founder, and driving force of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee. He has been at the forefront of bringing the Summer Games back to Los Angeles for the first time since 1984.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier who pleaded guilty to procuring a child for prostitution in 2008 and died while in custody on sex trafficking charges in 2019.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A companion of Epstein's who helped recruit girls and young women into Epstein's orbit and is now serving a 20-year prison sentence on sex trafficking charges.

Kirsty Coventry

The president of the International Olympic Committee, who has stated that the IOC will not get involved in the internal politics of the LA28 organizing committee.

Sarah Hirshland

The president and chief executive of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who is a member of the LA28 executive board.

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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 am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”

— Casey Wasserman (Statement)

“How they are structured is not something we are going to get involved into. He has put out a statement, and there is really nothing else for me to add.”

— Kirsty Coventry, IOC President (Interview)

“I'm deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort. It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about.”

— Casey Wasserman (Message to employees)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.