LA Olympics Chair Wasserman Faces Calls to Step Down Over Epstein Ties

Mayor Karen Bass says Wasserman should resign amid fallout from his past email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Casey Wasserman, the chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is facing growing calls to step down from his position after revelations about his past email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly stated that Wasserman should resign, though the LA28 Olympics committee has so far backed him to continue leading the games' organization. The International Olympic Committee says the decision is up to the LA28 organizers.

Why it matters

Wasserman's ties to the Epstein scandal have become a major distraction and liability for the LA28 Olympics, raising concerns about the leadership and integrity of the games' organizing committee. The controversy could undermine public confidence and support for the Olympics if not addressed.

The details

Wasserman announced last week that he is selling his talent agency, Wasserman, as high-profile clients have dropped the agency over the Epstein scandal. In a memo to staff, he said he felt he had become a distraction to the company's work. The 51-year-old has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein, but his email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell 20 years ago have come to light.

  • On February 17, 2026, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called for Wasserman to step down from his position as 2028 Olympics chairman.
  • On February 11, 2026, the LA28 Olympics committee gave Wasserman its backing to continue leading the games' organization.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics who is facing calls to step down over his past email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who has publicly stated that Wasserman should resign from his position as 2028 Olympics chairman.

Ghislaine Maxwell

The convicted sex trafficker who was Jeffrey Epstein's associate and with whom Wasserman allegedly exchanged flirty emails 20 years ago.

LA28 Olympics committee

The organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics that has so far backed Wasserman to continue leading the games.

International Olympic Committee

The governing body of the Olympic Games that has stated the decision on Wasserman's future is up to the LA28 organizers.

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What they’re saying

“This is a matter for the board of LA28 still at this stage. As you know a law firm looked into it and it is up to the board to draw their own conclusions. I understand there are many conversations happening at this moment.”

— Mark Adams, IOC spokesperson (Media)

What’s next

The LA28 Olympics committee is expected to make a decision on Wasserman's future leadership role in the coming days or weeks.

The takeaway

The controversy surrounding Wasserman's past ties to the Epstein scandal has become a major distraction and liability for the LA28 Olympics, raising questions about the integrity and leadership of the games' organizing committee. The decision on Wasserman's future will be closely watched as it could significantly impact public confidence in the 2028 Olympics.