Pressure Mounts for Wasserman to Step Down from LA Olympics Leadership

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Casey Wasserman, the chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is facing growing pressure to step down from his leadership role after the release of suggestive emails he exchanged more than two decades ago with Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Wasserman has kept his position despite dozens of public officials saying he risks becoming a distraction in LA's effort to host a successful Olympics.

Why it matters

Wasserman is a central figure in Los Angeles' sports and entertainment scene, and his continued leadership of the 2028 Olympics is seen as crucial to the city's efforts to host a successful Games. However, the revelations about his past communications with Maxwell have raised concerns that he could become a distraction and liability for the Olympics organizing committee.

The details

Last week, Wasserman put his talent and marketing agency up for sale, saying he had 'become a distraction' after the release of the emails with Maxwell. Despite this, the executive committee of LA28, the nonprofit in charge of the Games, has affirmed Wasserman's role as chairman of the 2028 Olympics. This decision has drawn criticism from dozens of public officials who believe Wasserman's continued leadership could jeopardize LA's efforts to host a successful Olympics.

• The emails between Wasserman and Maxwell were exchanged more than two decades ago.
• Last week, Wasserman put his talent and marketing agency up for sale, citing the distraction caused by the email revelations.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The executive committee of LA28 will likely face continued pressure from public officials to reconsider Wasserman's leadership role in the 2028 Olympics.