LA Braces for Potential Olympics Disruption Ahead of 2028 Games

Controversy surrounding LA28 organizing committee chair raises concerns about planning for international boycott and budget shortfalls.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles continues, the city is bracing for potential disruptions, including the possibility of an international boycott and budget shortfalls. LA City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez has expressed concerns about the organizing committee's lack of preparedness, citing the recent controversy surrounding LA28 chair Casey Wasserman's past communications with Ghislaine Maxwell. With a projected $7.1 billion budget and the city on the hook for initial financial obligations, LA officials are seeking more transparency and a 'plan B' in case the Games face challenges.

Why it matters

The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles are a major undertaking that could have significant impacts on the city and its residents. Concerns about potential disruptions, such as an international boycott or budget shortfalls, highlight the need for thorough planning and transparency from the organizing committee to ensure the Games are a success and benefit the local community.

The details

Recent controversies surrounding LA28 chair Casey Wasserman, including the release of his past emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, have led to calls for his resignation and raised questions about the organizing committee's preparedness. LA City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez says she has not received satisfactory answers from LA28 about plans for a possible international boycott or how to address a potential operating deficit, which could leave the city of Los Angeles responsible for up to $270 million. The LA28 organizing committee has stated that preparations are progressing well, but Rodriguez and other officials are seeking more transparency and a 'plan B' in case the Games face challenges.

  • In late January 2026, LA City Council held a committee meeting to discuss Olympics planning.
  • Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice released emails between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The players

Monica Rodriguez

An LA City Councilmember who has expressed concerns about the LA28 organizing committee's preparedness and called for Wasserman to step down.

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the LA28 organizing committee, who has been embroiled in controversy over his past communications with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles, who has joined calls for Wasserman to resign.

John Harper

The chief operating officer of the LA28 organizing committee.

International Olympic Committee

The governing body of the Olympic Games, which has stated that preparations for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles are progressing well.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.