LA Olympics Head Faces Calls to Resign Over Epstein Ties

Mayor Karen Bass demands Casey Wasserman step down from LA28 committee amid fallout from Epstein files

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly called for Casey Wasserman, the chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, to resign from his position. This comes despite a recent vote of confidence from the LA28 board, which found Wasserman's interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell did not extend beyond previously documented exchanges.

Why it matters

The controversy surrounding Wasserman's ties to Epstein and Maxwell has become a political flashpoint, with Mayor Bass's call for his resignation seen as a response to growing pressure from other LA politicians. The situation raises questions about oversight and accountability for the LA28 Olympics organizing committee.

The details

The pressure on Wasserman intensified after the release of documents that linked him to Epstein and Maxwell. While the LA28 board's review found Wasserman's interactions were limited to a humanitarian mission on Epstein's plane and publicly known email correspondence, Mayor Bass has now publicly stated that she believes Wasserman 'should step down.' This represents a shift from her previous acknowledgement of the board's 'discretion' in the matter.

  • On February 11th, the LA28 board unanimously backed Wasserman, finding his relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not extend beyond previously documented interactions.
  • On February 13th, Wasserman announced he is selling his stake in Wasserman, his talent agency, to avoid being a 'distraction' to the LA28 preparations.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who has publicly called for Casey Wasserman to step down from his position as chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee.

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee who is facing calls to resign over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Jeffrey Katzenberg

A prominent donor and supporter of Mayor Bass who was a key advocate for retaining Wasserman during the LA28 board meeting.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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.