LA Mayor Calls for Wasserman to Resign from LA28 Over Epstein Ties

Bass says Wasserman's connection to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate, is unacceptable for Olympics committee leadership.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called for Casey Wasserman to step down as chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee amid fallout over Wasserman's connection to Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex trafficker. Bass said Wasserman's ties to the Epstein scandal make him unfit to lead the committee overseeing LA's 2028 Olympic Games.

Why it matters

Wasserman's leadership of LA28 has come under scrutiny due to his past association with Epstein and Maxwell. As the public face of LA's Olympic efforts, Bass believes Wasserman's continued role could undermine public trust and confidence in the games.

The details

Mayor Bass stated that the LA28 board has the discretion to make decisions about its leadership, and she believes Wasserman should step down given the severity of the allegations against him. Wasserman has not publicly commented on the mayor's call for his resignation.

  • Mayor Bass made the comments calling for Wasserman's resignation on February 17, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles.

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, who has faced scrutiny over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A convicted sex trafficker who was an associate of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was convicted of sex trafficking minors.

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What they’re saying

“Here, LA28, which is the committee that is involved with the Olympics, has the discretion, the board made a decision,”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

What’s next

The LA28 board will likely meet to discuss Mayor Bass' call for Wasserman's resignation and make a decision on his continued leadership of the Olympic organizing committee.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of Olympic organizing committees maintaining the highest ethical standards, as any perceived impropriety or association with scandal can undermine public trust and confidence in the games.