LA28 Review Clears Casey Wasserman to Remain 2028 Olympics Chairman
MILAN – Casey Wasserman will retain his position as chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, LA28 announced on Wednesday. This decision follows a comprehensive external review of Wasserman's past interactions with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, both of whom have been central figures in high-profile criminal cases.
External Review Findings
LA28 stated that it took allegations of misconduct seriously and, with the assistance of outside legal counsel, conducted a thorough investigation into Wasserman's historical connections with Epstein and Maxwell. The review concluded that Wasserman's relationship with the two individuals did not extend beyond what had already been publicly documented. Wasserman fully cooperated with the inquiry throughout the process.
The investigation revealed that Wasserman's sole interaction with Epstein occurred 23 years ago, in 2003, when he and his then-wife flew on a humanitarian mission to Africa aboard Epstein's plane. This trip was organized at the invitation of the Clinton Foundation, and it took place before Wasserman or the general public were aware of Epstein and Maxwell's criminal activities. Shortly after this flight, Wasserman exchanged a series of personal emails with Maxwell, which have since been published by the U.S. Justice Department as part of a broader release of documents related to Epstein.
LA28 Executive Committee's Decision
In a formal statement, the LA28 Executive Committee emphasized that based on the review's findings and Wasserman's demonstrated leadership over the past decade, he should continue to lead the organization. "The Executive Committee of the Board has determined that based on these facts, as well as the strong leadership he has exhibited over the past ten years, Mr. Wasserman should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games," the committee declared.
Wasserman has publicly apologized for his communications with Maxwell, stating that these interactions occurred prior to the revelation of her and Epstein's crimes. He has consistently denied having any personal or business relationship with Epstein.
Calls for Resignation and Public Reaction
Earlier on Wednesday, retired U.S. women's soccer star Abby Wambach called for Wasserman to step down from his role at the talent agency he founded, citing the email exchanges with Maxwell. In a social media post, Wambach wrote, "Casey should resign. He should leave, so more people like me don't have to," and announced she was cutting ties with the agency. The talent agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wambach's statements.
Additionally, according to a recent Los Angeles Times report, several local officials, including Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, State Senator Lena Gonzalez, and a group of city council members, had previously urged Wasserman to resign from his LA28 chairmanship.
Background on Maxwell and Epstein
Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2021 on charges including sex trafficking of a minor. She was arrested in 2020 and accused by federal prosecutors of recruiting and grooming girls for sexual encounters with Epstein between 1994 and 2004.
Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution charges, including soliciting an underage girl. His death in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 was ruled a suicide. The recent release of millions of internal documents by the U.S. Justice Department has exposed Epstein's extensive connections with numerous prominent individuals, both before and after his 2008 conviction.
Contrasting Optics at Milano Cortina Games Event
While discussions about Wasserman's position were ongoing, the LA28 delegation presented a confident and celebratory front at a reception tied to the Milano Cortina Games in northern Italy. The event featured a giant "Hollywood" sign installation, with staff and guests mingling over cocktails and spirits, showcasing a curated slice of Los Angeles glamour. This display served as a soft-power exhibition, highlighting the city's hospitality and spectacle even as the leadership of the next Summer Olympics remained under scrutiny.
