Activists Demand Removal of LA28 Chairman Over Epstein Ties

UltraViolet petition calls for Casey Wasserman's ouster after leaked emails with Ghislaine Maxwell

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A leading gender-justice organization, UltraViolet, has launched a petition demanding the removal of Casey Wasserman as chairman of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee. The petition, which has garnered thousands of signatures, cites Wasserman's ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell as the reason for his ouster.

Why it matters

The LA28 Olympics are meant to showcase the United States on a global stage, and activists argue that having someone with ties to a notorious pedophile ring leading the organizing committee undermines the integrity and reputation of the event.

The details

UltraViolet's petition states that "a person who enabled Jeffrey Epstein's child abuse network shouldn't lead the 2028 Olympics Committee." The organization's campaign director, Elisa Batista, said "No one who cavorted with Epstein and Maxwell should be allowed to represent us on a world stage like the 2028 Olympics." This sentiment echoes calls from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for Wasserman's removal.

  • The petition was launched on February 18, 2026.

The players

UltraViolet

A leading gender-justice organization that has launched a petition demanding the removal of Casey Wasserman as chairman of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee.

Casey Wasserman

The chairman of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee who is facing calls for his removal over his ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who has also called for the removal of Casey Wasserman as chairman of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee.

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What they’re saying

“No one who cavorted with Epstein and Maxwell should be allowed to represent us on a world stage like the 2028 Olympics. This event is meant to showcase the best our country has to offer, not rehabilitate the reputation of a pedophile-enabler like Wasserman.”

— Elisa Batista, Campaign Director, UltraViolet (UltraViolet)

What’s next

The LA28 organizing committee will likely need to address the growing calls for Wasserman's removal in the coming weeks and months as the petition gains more signatures and attention.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the importance of vetting and holding accountable those in positions of power, especially when it comes to hosting major international events that are meant to showcase a country's values and reputation. The LA28 Olympics cannot afford to have its leadership tainted by associations with notorious figures like Epstein and Maxwell.