LA Olympics Leader Wasserman to Sell Talent Agency After Epstein Email Scandal

Wasserman says he will focus on delivering a successful 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Casey Wasserman, the chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, is selling his talent agency in the wake of the release of emails between himself and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was accused of helping Jeffrey Epstein recruit and sexually abuse victims. Wasserman has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but the emails have caused disruption at his company and led to the loss of some clients.

Why it matters

Wasserman's role as the leader of the 2028 LA Olympics organizing committee has come under scrutiny due to his past interactions with Maxwell and Epstein. The decision to sell his talent agency is an attempt to separate his business dealings from his Olympic leadership responsibilities and avoid further distractions.

The details

The recently released government files on Jeffrey Epstein revealed emails from 2003 in which Wasserman exchanged flirtatious messages with Maxwell. While Wasserman has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the emails have led to disruption at his talent agency, with some clients leaving. In a memo to staff, Wasserman said he felt he had become a distraction to the company's work and has begun the process of selling the agency.

  • In 2003, Wasserman exchanged emails with Ghislaine Maxwell.
  • The Epstein files containing the emails were recently released by the government.
  • On Friday, February 14, 2026, Wasserman announced he would be selling his talent agency.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee who is selling his talent agency in the wake of the release of emails between himself and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A woman accused of helping Jeffrey Epstein recruit and sexually abuse victims, who exchanged flirtatious emails with Wasserman in 2003.

Jeffrey Epstein

A financier who was accused of sex trafficking and sexually abusing underage girls, and whose recently released government files included the emails between Wasserman and Maxwell.

Mike Watts

The Wasserman agency employee who will assume day-to-day control of the business while Wasserman focuses on the 2028 Olympics.

Chappell Roan

A singer who is among the clients that have left the Wasserman agency in the wake of the email scandal.

Abby Wambach

A retired U.S. women's soccer legend who is also among the clients that have left the Wasserman agency.

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What they’re saying

“It was years before their criminal conduct came to light, and, in its entirety, consisted of one humanitarian trip to Africa and a handful of emails that I deeply regret sending. And I'm heartbroken that my brief contact with them 23 years ago has caused you, this company, and its clients so much hardship over the past days and weeks.”

— Casey Wasserman (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The LA28 board's executive committee will continue to monitor the situation and provide oversight as Wasserman focuses on delivering a successful 2028 Olympics.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges that can arise when public figures have past connections to individuals accused of serious crimes, even if those connections were limited. Wasserman's decision to sell his talent agency and focus solely on the Olympics is an attempt to separate his business dealings from his leadership role and avoid further distractions.