Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass urges Casey Wasserman to resign as 2028 Olympics chairman after his emails with Ghislaine Maxwell are revealed

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is suddenly under the media microscope after revelations about its chairman, Casey Wasserman.

Mayor Karen Bass has publicly suggested that Wasserman step down, following the release of documents connecting him to Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s convicted accomplice.

Though Wasserman has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, the emails, which date back to 2003, included flirtatious exchanges with Maxwell discussing “massages,” “rubbing,” and other personal encounters.

The disclosure has rocked the entertainment and sports world, prompting a number of high-profile departures from Wasserman’s talent agency, including singer Chappell Roan and soccer legend Abby Wambach.

In response to the controversy, Wasserman announced he is putting his company up for sale while remaining in his Olympic role.

Mayor Bass Calls for Leadership Review

In an interview with CNN, Bass stated clearly, “I cannot fire him, but I have an opinion.

And my opinion is that he should step down.”

She acknowledged that her view does not reflect that of the LA28 board, which recently voted to retain Wasserman.

The executive committee’s decision followed a review conducted with an outside legal firm.

According to the board, Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell “did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented,” and his leadership over the past decade was cited as justification for keeping him in place.

Bass responded to the decision by reiterating her concerns, calling the board’s choice “unfortunate” and emphasizing the need to examine leadership at the highest levels of the organizing committee.

Wasserman Issues Apology Amid Fallout

Wasserman has apologized for the emails, framing them as a mistake from over two decades ago.

In a memo to his staff obtained by the Wall Street Journal, he admitted that the past contact with Maxwell had “become a distraction” and expressed regret for the impact it had on employees, clients, and partners.

He said, “I’m deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort.

It’s not fair to you, and it’s not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about.”

Mike Watts, a longtime executive at the agency, has been assigned to manage day-to-day operations while Wasserman focuses on the company sale.

Past Interactions Put Into Context

The LA28 executive committee noted that Wasserman’s interactions with Epstein were limited.

He claims to have flown on Epstein’s private plane for a Clinton Foundation humanitarian mission in Africa in 2002, with his then-wife Laura accompanying him.

The subsequent emails with Maxwell were described as “publicly-known,” and the board emphasized that Wasserman “never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.”

The emails themselves, however, contain suggestive language, including Wasserman telling Maxwell, “I think of you all the time.

So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” While decades old, the exchanges have reignited criticism and calls for leadership accountability.

International Olympic Committee Responds

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has opted not to exert additional public pressure on Wasserman.

While Mayor Bass and local officials push for a leadership change, the IOC has maintained a hands-off stance, leaving the decision largely in the hands of the LA28 executive committee.

What’s Next?

Wasserman’s future in the Olympic movement remains uncertain.

With the sale of his talent agency underway and scrutiny mounting, the next weeks will be critical for both his personal reputation and the LA28 Games’ public image.

Local officials, activists, and sponsors will closely watch how the organizing committee manages optics and leadership messaging as the Games approach.

The controversy may also influence broader discussions around ethics and leadership in sports and entertainment, particularly for executives who had any past contact, however indirect, with Epstein and his associates.

Summary

Casey Wasserman, chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is facing intense public scrutiny after 2003 emails with Ghislaine Maxwell were revealed.

Mayor Karen Bass has urged him to step down, though the LA28 board voted to retain him following a legal review.

Wasserman has apologized for the emails, put his talent company up for sale, and assigned Mike Watts to oversee daily operations.

While he denies any personal or business ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the fallout has sparked talent departures and reignited questions about leadership and accountability ahead of the LA28 Games.