LA28 CEO Backs Embattled Chair Wasserman Amid Scrutiny

Hoover says Wasserman has full board support despite recent controversy over past ties to Epstein and Maxwell.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Los Angeles 2028 Olympics CEO Reynold Hoover has voiced strong support for LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman, saying the board fully backs him despite increased scrutiny over Wasserman's past email exchanges with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. Hoover cited the organization's commercial success, including record sponsorship revenue, as evidence of stability under Wasserman's leadership.

Why it matters

The controversy surrounding Wasserman's past ties to Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein has raised questions about his leadership and integrity, with the mayor of Los Angeles calling for him to step down. However, Hoover's public backing of Wasserman suggests the LA28 leadership team remains united behind the chair as they work to deliver a successful 2028 Olympics.

The details

Hoover said the LA28 board has reaffirmed its support for Wasserman following a review by outside counsel, which concluded his past association with Maxwell and Epstein did not go beyond what had already been publicly documented. Hoover pointed to the organization's commercial performance, including over $2 billion in sponsorship revenue, as evidence of stability under Wasserman's leadership.

  • The documents featuring Wasserman's email exchanges with Maxwell were published in late January 2026.
  • Earlier this month, the LA28 board reaffirmed its support for Wasserman following an outside review.

The players

Reynold Hoover

The CEO of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics organizing committee.

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics organizing committee, who has faced increased scrutiny over his past ties to convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

Karen Bass

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

Monica Rodriguez

A Los Angeles City Council member who has criticized the LA28 board for backing Wasserman and introduced a resolution reaffirming the city's commitment to Olympic values.

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What they’re saying

“The board has taken their position – they support him and I support him.”

— Reynold Hoover, CEO, Los Angeles 2028 Olympics (Reuters)

“We've exceeded all expectations, we've broken all Olympic records by any measure. If that doesn't give people confidence, I don't know what will.”

— Reynold Hoover, CEO, Los Angeles 2028 Olympics (Reuters)

“This is going to be an incredible, incredible Games and people need to start focusing on that aspect of it, and let's move on.”

— Reynold Hoover, CEO, Los Angeles 2028 Olympics (Reuters)

What’s next

The Los Angeles City Council is expected to vote on the resolution introduced by Council member Monica Rodriguez reaffirming the city's commitment to Olympic values and leadership integrity.

The takeaway

The LA28 leadership's unwavering support for Chair Casey Wasserman despite the controversy over his past ties to Epstein and Maxwell suggests the organizing committee is prioritizing commercial success and continuity over addressing concerns about ethical leadership as it works to deliver the 2028 Olympics.