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

Bass disagrees with LA28 board's decision to keep Wasserman in his role

Published on Feb. 21, 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 Summer Olympics.

Why it matters

Wasserman's past connections to Epstein and Maxwell have raised concerns about his leadership of the 2028 Olympics, which is a major event for the city of Los Angeles. The mayor's call for his resignation highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the scrutiny on individuals with ties to the convicted sex offender.

The details

The newly released emails show flirtatious exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell in 2003, years before her arrest for child sex trafficking. Wasserman also previously took a trip to Africa in 2002 on Epstein's private plane alongside former President Bill Clinton. While the LA28 board found Wasserman's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what was publicly known, Mayor Bass disagrees and believes he should step down as the city prepares to host the Olympics.

  • In 2002, Wasserman took a trip to Africa on Epstein's private plane alongside former President Bill Clinton.
  • In 2003, Wasserman exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's co-conspirator who is now serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking.
  • In February 2026, the Department of Justice released millions of Epstein-related documents, including the emails between Wasserman and Maxwell.
  • On February 18, 2026, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called for Wasserman to step down as chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who has called for Casey Wasserman to step down as chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, who has faced scrutiny over his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender whose connections to powerful individuals have continued to cause controversy.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's co-conspirator who is serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking and other offenses.

Bill Clinton

The former U.S. president who took a trip to Africa in 2002 on Epstein's private 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 overseeing the case will decide whether to allow Wasserman to remain as chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing scrutiny on individuals with ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the need for thorough vetting of leaders overseeing major events like the Olympics. Los Angeles officials must ensure the city's reputation and preparation for the 2028 Games are not compromised by Wasserman's past actions.