LA Mayor Bass Demands Resignation of Olympics Chair Over Epstein Links
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly called for Casey Wasserman to resign from his position as chairman of the committee overseeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This demand stems from Wasserman's documented ties to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which has sparked widespread controversy.
Mayor Bass Expresses Strong Disapproval
In a recent interview with CNN, Mayor Bass stated, "I cannot fire him," but emphasized, "My opinion is that he should step down. That's not the opinion of the board." Bass, who has served as mayor since 2022, made it clear that she disagrees with the LA28 board's decision to retain Wasserman, calling it "unfortunate" and stating she does not support it.
Wasserman's Connections to Epstein and Maxwell
The controversy centers on Wasserman's name appearing in two emails from 2003 with Ghislaine Maxwell, as revealed in over 3 million documents released by the U.S. Justice Department. Maxwell was a co-conspirator of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender and disgraced financier. In 2021, Maxwell was convicted for her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse multiple minor girls and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Wasserman has expressed regret over the correspondence, noting it occurred "long before her horrific crimes came to light." However, Mayor Bass condemned the behavior, stating, "The behavior of Maxwell, what they were involved in, is abhorrent."
LA28 Board's Decision and Mayor's Response
Despite the scrutiny, the LA28 board's executive committee reviewed Wasserman's contacts with Epstein and Maxwell and concluded last week that he "should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games." This decision has put the mayor at odds with the board, highlighting a significant rift in leadership perspectives.
Bass acknowledged her role, saying, "However, my job as mayor of Los Angeles is to make sure that our city is prepared to have the best Olympics that has ever happened in Olympic history." She emphasized the need to evaluate leadership while focusing on the upcoming event.
Background on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 30. As preparations intensify, this leadership dispute adds a layer of complexity to the planning process, raising questions about governance and ethical standards in major international events.
Wasserman, who is in the process of selling his talent agency amid this controversy, remains a central figure in the discussions. The situation continues to evolve, with public and political attention firmly fixed on how it will impact the Games' organization and reputation.
