Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urges Casey Wasserman to resign as 2028 Olympics chairman after revealing flirtatious emails with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell in California

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly urged Casey Wasserman, chairman of the 2028 Olympic Games organizing committee, to resign following the release of flirtatious emails he exchanged with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

The emails, dating back to 2003, reportedly reference massages, beach encounters, and other intimate interactions, drawing renewed attention to Wasserman’s past associations.

Bass’s call comes at a politically sensitive time as she seeks to navigate criticism over her handling of the 2025 Palisades Fire, which devastated large swathes of Los Angeles County.

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Wasserman’s Response and Career Context

The 51-year-old entertainment and sports executive acknowledged the emails, expressing regret, but insisted that he never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Wasserman played a pivotal role in helping Los Angeles secure the 2028 Summer Olympics, a milestone that positions the city on the global stage for billions of dollars in economic impact.

His continued leadership has been considered essential by many stakeholders, despite the controversy.

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Mayor Bass’s Political Challenges

Mayor Bass does not hold the formal power to remove Wasserman, emphasizing that only the nonprofit board overseeing the Olympics can make such a decision.

Nevertheless, her public statement signals the growing pressure on the organizing committee and underscores her willingness to speak out on ethical issues.

This latest controversy compounds Bass’s political challenges following the Palisades Fire in January 2025, which killed 12 residents, destroyed thousands of homes, and scorched over 23,000 acres.

Critics noted that she was traveling in Ghana just days before the fire broke out, despite prior warnings from the National Weather Service.

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Wildfire Response Under Scrutiny

An internal after-action report, initially prepared in October 2025, was later criticized for downplaying missteps by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The Los Angeles Times reported that multiple versions of the document were released, with key criticisms removed, raising questions about the mayor’s role in editing or influencing the report.

Bass’s spokesperson dismissed these claims as “muckraking journalism,” but the controversy continues to fuel public calls for accountability.

Over 200,000 residents have signed a petition seeking Bass’s recall from office, though past efforts to organize a recall in 2025 did not meet the required thresholds.

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Wasserman’s Legacy and Olympic Stakes

Casey Wasserman’s leadership is closely tied to Los Angeles’ global reputation, with billions of dollars at stake for the city’s economy.

The Olympics are expected to be a weekslong showcase that will require careful management of logistics, sponsorships, and media coverage.

Any leadership turmoil could create headaches for organizers and the city alike.

Meanwhile, Bass faces a delicate balancing act: defending her leadership record, responding to public criticism over wildfire management, and weighing ethical concerns about the Olympics chairmanship.

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What’s next?

• Olympics Board Review: The nonprofit board controlling the 2028 Olympics will likely evaluate Wasserman’s position, weighing reputational risks against his track record.

• Public Pressure: Activist groups and residents may increase calls for accountability, keeping the issue in the media spotlight.

• Mayor’s Political Calculus: Bass will continue to manage fallout from both the wildfire criticism and her stance on Wasserman, which could impact her political capital and future reelection prospects.

• Legal and Ethical Oversight: There may be further examination of past emails and associations, potentially triggering additional scrutiny for other officials involved in Olympic planning.

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Summary

Mayor Karen Bass has called for the resignation of Casey Wasserman as chairman of the 2028 Olympics following the emergence of flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Bass does not have the power to remove him but is speaking out amid political pressure over her handling of the 2025 Palisades Fire and the editing of internal reports.

Wasserman has expressed regret but maintains he never had ties to Epstein.

The unfolding situation highlights ethical, political, and operational challenges for Los Angeles as the city prepares for the high-profile international event.