LA Mayor Calls for Wasserman to Step Down from Olympic Committee

Bass disagrees with the committee's decision to keep Wasserman as chairman after his ties to Epstein were revealed.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly called for Casey Wasserman, the chairman of the 2028 Olympic Committee, to step down from his position. This comes after it was discovered that Wasserman had a flirtatious relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice. While the Olympic committee's board has decided to keep Wasserman on, Mayor Bass has expressed her disagreement with the decision, stating that 'my opinion is that he should step down.'

Why it matters

The mayor's public rebuke of the Olympic committee's decision highlights the ongoing scrutiny and controversy surrounding Wasserman's ties to the Epstein scandal. As the host city for the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles' leadership and preparation will be crucial, and the mayor's stance suggests a potential rift between the city and the Olympic organizers.

The details

In emails that were discovered, it was revealed that Wasserman had a flirtatious relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, who was Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice in his crimes. The Olympic committee's board, however, has determined that Wasserman's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell 'did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented' and that he should continue to lead the LA28 committee and deliver a successful Olympics.

  • On February 11, 2026, the Olympic committee's board released a statement supporting Wasserman's continued leadership.
  • On February 17, 2026, Mayor Karen Bass publicly called for Wasserman to step down from his position.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who has publicly called for Casey Wasserman to step down from the 2028 Olympic Committee.

Casey Wasserman

The chairman of the 2028 Olympic Committee in Los Angeles who has faced scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice who was involved in his crimes, and who had a flirtatious relationship with Casey Wasserman according to discovered emails.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier who was convicted of sex trafficking and other crimes, and whose ties to Casey Wasserman have come under scrutiny.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot fire him. I do have an opinion. My opinion is that he should step down.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (CNN)

“We found Mr. Wasserman's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented. The Executive Committee of the Board has determined that based on these facts, as well as the strong leadership he has exhibited over the past ten years, Mr. Wasserman should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games.”

— Olympic Committee Board (Statement)

What’s next

The Olympic committee's board will likely face continued pressure from Mayor Bass and others to reconsider their decision to keep Wasserman as chairman, especially as the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles draw nearer.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding major sporting events like the Olympics, where the leadership and integrity of organizers can come under intense scrutiny, especially when ties to disgraced figures like Jeffrey Epstein are involved. The mayor's public rebuke of the Olympic committee's decision underscores the need for transparent and accountable leadership to ensure the success and reputation of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.