Wasserman Faces Calls to Resign as LA28 Chair Over Epstein Ties

Emails with Ghislaine Maxwell raise concerns about integrity of 2028 Olympics

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Casey Wasserman, the chair of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic organizing committee, is facing calls to resign over his past email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell, the chief accomplice of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, which date back to 2003, contain overtly sexual content and raise questions about Wasserman's judgment and the potential impact on the integrity of the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Wasserman's role as chair of the LA28 organizing committee is a high-profile position, and the Olympics are a major international event. Any cloud of impropriety or association with the Epstein scandal could undermine public trust and confidence in the games. There are concerns that Wasserman's continued leadership could be a distraction and negatively impact preparations for the 2028 Olympics.

The details

The emails between Wasserman and Maxwell show a series of sexually suggestive exchanges, including references to meeting up, massages, and a "cigar concept." While there is no evidence that Wasserman was directly involved in Epstein's crimes, the nature of the emails raises questions about his judgment and the appropriateness of his communications with Maxwell. Wasserman has acknowledged the emails but described the relationship as "brief contact" and claimed the emails do not reflect the "entirety" of the interactions.

  • In September 2002, Wasserman went on a humanitarian trip to Africa with former President Bill Clinton and Maxwell.
  • In October and December 2002, Maxwell sent Wasserman packages.
  • From March to April 2003, Wasserman and Maxwell exchanged a series of sexually suggestive emails.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic organizing committee, whose past email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell have raised concerns about his judgment and the potential impact on the integrity of the upcoming Olympics.

Ghislaine Maxwell

The chief accomplice of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who exchanged sexually suggestive emails with Wasserman in 2003.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles, who has said she would like Wasserman to step down from his role as chair of the LA28 organizing committee.

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What they’re saying

“I landed in PB this morning and for the first time climbed into 491 GM and flew off - all the linesmen came out to watch - I was not sure if it was because they feared for their safety and staying outdoors was a safer bet or perhaps the tight leather flying outfit had something to do with it.”

— Ghislaine Maxwell (Sports Illustrated)

“I think of you all the time. So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?I am in NY tonight, youre not, what am I to do?”

— Casey Wasserman (Sports Illustrated)

“Well I thought we would start at that place that you know of, and then continue the massage concept into your bed...and then again in the morning...not sure if or when we would stop.”

— Casey Wasserman (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The LA28 board and U.S. Olympic officials will likely face increasing pressure to address Wasserman's role and determine if he should step down as chair of the organizing committee.

The takeaway

The revelations about Wasserman's past emails with Ghislaine Maxwell have cast a shadow over the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, raising concerns about the integrity and leadership of the organizing committee. Wasserman's continued involvement could become a distraction and undermine public trust in the games, leading to calls for his resignation.