West Hollywood rally calls for LA28 chair Wasserman to resign

Local officials and advocates say Wasserman's ties to Epstein and Maxwell threaten public trust ahead of 2028 Olympics

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Local elected officials, survivor advocates, and attorneys gathered in West Hollywood to renew calls for Casey Wasserman, the chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, to resign. They argued that Wasserman's continued leadership threatens public trust due to his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The West Hollywood City Council plans to introduce a resolution next month formally calling for Wasserman's removal, which would make the city the first in the nation to do so.

Why it matters

The controversy over Wasserman's ties to Epstein and Maxwell risks distracting from preparations for the 2028 Olympics and eroding public confidence in the LA28 organizing committee. As a host city, West Hollywood wants to ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for the Games, and sees Wasserman's continued leadership as an affront to the city's values of supporting survivors and prioritizing accountability.

The details

At the rally, West Hollywood Councilmembers John Erickson and Chelsea Lee Byers said they plan to introduce a resolution at next month's city council meeting calling for Wasserman's resignation and denouncing LA28's continued support of him. Speakers argued that anyone with ties to Epstein and Maxwell should not be in a leadership position, especially one overseeing youth and athletes. They said the LA28 board's recent independent review, which found no evidence of wrongdoing by Wasserman, was not enough to restore public trust.

  • The rally took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 in West Hollywood Park.
  • The West Hollywood City Council plans to introduce the resolution calling for Wasserman's resignation at its next meeting in March 2026.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, who has faced scrutiny over his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

John Erickson

A West Hollywood City Councilmember who plans to introduce a resolution calling for Wasserman's resignation.

Chelsea Lee Byers

A West Hollywood City Councilmember who plans to introduce a resolution calling for Wasserman's resignation.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles, who has said that Wasserman "should step down" as LA28 chair.

Leslie Gaitan

A sexual harassment survivor who spoke at the rally, arguing that leadership positions should have the "cleanest record."

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What they’re saying

“It's critical at this moment, when we think about LA28, and welcoming not only athletes but world leaders to Los Angeles, about who is leading that effort— and that is not Casey Wasserman.”

— John Erickson, West Hollywood City Councilmember (Press Telegram)

“Any ties to Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein, human traffickers, sex traffickers—these individuals do not deserve positions of leadership.”

— John Erickson, West Hollywood City Councilmember (Press Telegram)

“It's hard to trust what's happening with the organization when they continue to spend their time and energy supporting somebody who people are calling for his resignation.”

— Chelsea Lee Byers, West Hollywood City Councilmember (Press Telegram)

“The only way we can change our culture is to have those with the power actually make decisions that hold them accountable.”

— Elle de los Reyes, Survivors.org (Press Telegram)

“The Olympics are not a private playground for wealthy men and for the powerful. They are a civic trust that belongs to all of us. LA28 cannot claim to stand for safety and dignity while being led by a man with documented ties to human traffickers Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.”

— Caroline Heldman, Co-founder, Stand With Survivors (Press Telegram)

What’s next

The West Hollywood City Council plans to introduce a resolution at its next meeting in March 2026 calling for Casey Wasserman's resignation as chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the importance of having ethical and accountable leadership overseeing major events like the Olympics, which should be a civic trust that prioritizes public safety and trust. West Hollywood's stance reflects the broader need for organizations to swiftly address any ties to figures involved in sexual misconduct and trafficking in order to maintain public confidence.