Olympics Officials Monitoring Reaction to LA28 Leader's Epstein Ties

USOPC says it's concerned about Casey Wasserman's past communication with Ghislaine Maxwell

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a fractured, multi-perspective scene, conceptually representing the controversy and tension surrounding the event's leadership.The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics face growing scrutiny over the past ties of its organizing committee leadership to the Epstein scandal.Los Angeles Today

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) says it is closely monitoring the impact on the Olympic community after revelations about LA28 leader Casey Wasserman's past communication with Jeffrey Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The USOPC board discussed the issue at a recent meeting, though decisions about Wasserman's future are up to the LA organizing committee's board.

Why it matters

The connection between Wasserman and Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking minors, raises concerns about the leadership and integrity of the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The USOPC's involvement and oversight of the LA organizing committee could influence any decisions made about Wasserman's role.

The details

Emails between Wasserman and Maxwell from over 20 years ago were recently released as part of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The LA organizing committee previously investigated the relationship and concluded it 'did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented.' However, the USOPC board discussed the issue and expressed concerns, though they have not moved to remove Wasserman from his leadership role.

  • In February 2026, Wasserman put his talent agency up for sale shortly after the release of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
  • On April 16, 2026, the USOPC board discussed the issue at its quarterly meeting.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, whose past communication with Ghislaine Maxwell has raised concerns.

Gene Sykes

The chair of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), which has shared its concerns about Wasserman with the LA organizing committee.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Jeffrey Epstein's confidant, who was convicted on sex trafficking charges and is serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Jeffrey Epstein

The financier who died by suicide in 2019 while facing federal sex-trafficking charges.

Sarah Hirshland

The CEO of the USOPC, who also sits on the LA28 board.

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What they’re saying

“We're stewards of the Olympic and Paralympic movement in the United States, and we're committed to upholding and consistently demonstrating its values.”

— Gene Sykes, Chair, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee

What’s next

The USOPC says it is 'closely monitoring the impact on our community' and that decisions about Wasserman's future are up to the LA organizing committee's board.

The takeaway

The revelations about LA28 leader Casey Wasserman's past communication with Ghislaine Maxwell have raised concerns within the U.S. Olympic community about the leadership and integrity of the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The USOPC is closely watching the situation, though it ultimately falls to the LA organizing committee to determine Wasserman's future role.