LA28 CEO Stands by Embattled Chair Wasserman

Hoover says Wasserman has full board support despite increased scrutiny over past ties to Epstein associates.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Los Angeles 2028 Olympics CEO Reynold Hoover voiced strong support for LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman, saying the board fully backs him despite increased scrutiny following the release of U.S. Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Hoover said Wasserman's past association with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell has not disrupted the organization's operations or sponsorship deals.

Why it matters

The controversy around Wasserman's past ties to Epstein associates 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 strong commercial performance, including record domestic sponsorship revenue and high public interest in volunteering, as evidence of stability under Wasserman's leadership.

  • The LA28 board reaffirmed its support for Wasserman earlier this month.
  • Wasserman's name appeared in recently released U.S. Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein late last month.

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 Jeffrey Epstein and 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)

“Look, that's her opinion. But she also said that the LA28 board has taken a position and is supporting Casey, so there's nothing more to really be said on it.”

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

What’s next

The LA28 organizing committee is expected to announce another major sponsor in the coming weeks as it continues its push to secure $2.5 billion in commercial revenue ahead of the 2028 Summer Games.

The takeaway

Despite the controversy surrounding Wasserman's past ties to Epstein associates, the LA28 leadership team appears united in its support for the embattled chair as they work to deliver a successful 2028 Olympics. The organization's strong commercial performance and public interest suggest the Games are on track, though the mayor's call for Wasserman's resignation highlights ongoing concerns about his leadership and integrity.