L.A. Mayor Calls for 2028 Olympics Committee Head to Resign

Karen Bass cites Wasserman's ties to Epstein and Maxwell as reason he should step down

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has urged Casey Wasserman, the head of the committee overseeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, to resign over his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. While the LA28 board's executive committee recently gave Wasserman a vote of confidence, Bass said she does not support that decision and believes Wasserman should step down from his leadership role.

Why it matters

The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles are a major event that the city is preparing for, and the leadership of the organizing committee is crucial. Wasserman's past connections to Epstein and Maxwell have raised concerns about his suitability to lead the Olympics effort, despite the board's vote of confidence.

The details

Mayor Bass said she cannot fire Wasserman, as that is not her decision, but she believes he should resign. The LA28 board's executive committee reviewed Wasserman's interactions with Epstein and Maxwell and concluded that he should continue to lead the Olympics effort. However, Bass disagrees with that decision, stating that the city needs to look at the leadership of the Olympics committee. Wasserman's name appeared in two emails from 2003 with Maxwell, and he has acknowledged regret over that correspondence, which he says took place over 20 years ago, long before Maxwell's crimes came to light.

  • In February 2026, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called for Casey Wasserman to resign as head of the committee overseeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
  • Last week, the LA28 board's executive committee gave Wasserman a vote of confidence to continue leading the Olympics effort.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles since 2022, who has called for Casey Wasserman to resign from his role leading the 2028 Olympics committee.

Casey Wasserman

The head of the committee overseeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, who has faced calls to resign from the mayor over his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.

LA28

The committee overseeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, whose executive committee recently gave Wasserman a vote of confidence to continue leading the Olympics effort.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender whose ties to Wasserman have raised concerns about Wasserman's leadership of the 2028 Olympics.

Ghislaine Maxwell

The co-conspirator of Jeffrey Epstein who was convicted on sex trafficking charges, and whose past correspondence with Wasserman has also raised concerns.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot fire him. My opinion is that he should step down. That's not the opinion of the board.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (CNN)

“The board made a decision. I think that decision was unfortunate. I don't support the decision. I do think that we need to look at the leadership.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (CNN)

“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 (Memo to Wasserman 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.