LA Mayor Calls for Olympics Chair Wasserman to Resign Over Epstein Ties

Bass says Wasserman should step down despite LA28 board's backing

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics chair Casey Wasserman to step down following the release of emails between Wasserman and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. The LA28 Executive Committee has stood by Wasserman, but Bass says she disagrees with that decision and believes Wasserman should resign as the city prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Why it matters

The mayor's call for Wasserman's resignation highlights growing concerns over his past ties to Epstein and Maxwell, which have already led to some business losses for Wasserman's company. The 2028 Olympics are a major event for Los Angeles, and the city's leadership wants to ensure public trust and avoid any distractions.

The details

The emails between Wasserman and Maxwell surfaced through the Department of Justice's release of Epstein-related documents last month. They followed a previously known trip Wasserman took on Epstein's plane in 2002 alongside former President Bill Clinton. The LA28 Executive Committee said its review found Wasserman's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell 'did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented,' but Mayor Bass disagrees and believes Wasserman should step down.

  • In 2002, Wasserman took a trip to Africa on Jeffrey Epstein's plane alongside former President Bill Clinton.
  • In 2003, Wasserman exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's co-conspirator who is serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking.
  • Last month, the Department of Justice released millions of Epstein-related documents, including the emails between Wasserman and Maxwell.
  • On February 2, 2026, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass delivered her State of the City address and called for Wasserman to step down as LA28 chair.
  • On February 6, 2026, the LA28 Executive Committee said it stands by Wasserman after its review of his ties to Epstein and Maxwell.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who has called for Casey Wasserman to step down as chair of the LA28 Olympics organizing committee.

Casey Wasserman

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

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's co-conspirator who was convicted of child sex trafficking and other offenses in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence.

Bill Clinton

The former U.S. president who traveled to Africa in 2002 on Jeffrey Epstein's plane alongside Casey Wasserman.

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What they’re saying

“The board made a decision. I think that decision was unfortunate. I don't support the decision.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (CNN)

“My opinion is, is that he should step down. That's not the opinion of the board.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (CNN)

“Hopefully by now you know the facts about my limited interactions with those two individuals. It was years before their criminal conduct came to light, and, in its entirety, consisted of one humanitarian trip to Africa and a handful of emails that I deeply regret sending. And I'm heartbroken that my brief contact with them 23 years ago has caused you, this company, and its clients so much hardship over the past days and weeks.”

— Casey Wasserman (ABC News)

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.