In a development that’s shaking up preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Casey Wasserman, the chairman of the LA28 Organizing Committee, is under intense scrutiny following the release of old emails linking him to Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, unveiled by the U.S. Department of Justice in late January 2026, include flirtatious exchanges from 2003 that have prompted widespread calls for Wasserman’s resignation from local politicians, activists, and even figures in the entertainment industry.
Wasserman, a well-known sports and entertainment executive who also heads the Wasserman talent agency, has been a key player in bringing the Olympics back to Los Angeles. His role involves overseeing an event expected to boost the region’s economy by anywhere from $13.6 billion to $17.6 billion in gross domestic product, while creating thousands of jobs. However, the newly surfaced correspondence has cast a shadow over these ambitions, raising questions about leadership and accountability.
The Emails and Their Context
The emails in question, part of over three million pages related to the Epstein investigation, date back to spring 2003. In one exchange, Wasserman reportedly asked Maxwell what he needed to do to see her in a “tight leather outfit.” Another message expressed that he missed her and inquired about booking a massage. Maxwell, who was later convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year prison sentence, responded in kind with suggestive remarks, such as offering a massage that would “drive a man wild.”
At the time, Wasserman was married, and the interactions occurred years before Maxwell’s criminal activities were publicly exposed. Epstein, the disgraced financier at the center of the scandal, died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges. Wasserman has emphasized that he had no personal or business ties to Epstein beyond a single humanitarian trip in 2002 aboard Epstein’s plane as part of a Clinton Foundation delegation. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection to the Epstein case.
In response to the backlash, Wasserman issued a statement expressing deep regret: “I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light. I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.” He has not commented further, and representatives for his agency and the LA28 committee have not responded to additional inquiries.
Mounting Calls for Resignation
The revelations have ignited a firestorm among Los Angeles officials, who argue that Wasserman’s past associations could tarnish the Games’ reputation and distract from efforts to combat issues like sex trafficking, which often spikes during major events. City Controller Kenneth Mejia took to social media platform X to demand accountability, stating, “Los Angeles cannot trust our financial future to someone connected with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Take accountability and resign.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez expressed her disappointment in an interview, saying the relationship “undermines the legacy of what these Games are supposed to represent.” County Supervisor Janice Hahn echoed these sentiments, telling reporters that her concerns were not about personal indiscretions but about the message sent to Epstein’s survivors and the world. “This is about our values, especially as we work to combat any sex trafficking associated with the Games,” she said, warning that Wasserman’s leadership could forever link the LA Olympics to the scandal.
Even Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass weighed in, stressing the need for full focus on making the 2028 Games a success, though she stopped short of calling for resignation, leaving the decision to the LA28 board. Other council members and supervisors have joined the chorus, with some describing the situation as a major distraction.
Beyond politics, the music industry has also reacted. Bethany Cosentino, frontwoman of the band Best Coast and a client of Wasserman’s agency, posted an open letter on Instagram demanding he step down. “Pretending this isn’t a big deal is not an option,” she wrote, highlighting the flirtatious nature of the emails and their implications.
Public sentiment on social media reflects a divide. Some users, like those on X, have labeled it “Epstein rot” infiltrating elite circles, questioning why the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) remain silent or supportive. Others share news updates without strong opinions, focusing on the economic stakes.
Support from Olympic Bodies and Potential Fallout
Not everyone is calling for change. The USOPC has publicly backed LA28’s leadership, with chair Gene Sykes referencing Wasserman’s apology and expressing confidence in the team’s ability to deliver. Similarly, the IOC has deferred to Wasserman’s statement without adding further comment, indicating they see no immediate need for his removal.
Wasserman is no stranger to controversy; he has weathered past scandals, including workplace allegations at his agency. However, this Epstein-linked issue hits differently, given the global spotlight on the Olympics and ongoing sensitivities around sexual exploitation.
As Milan hosts the 2026 Winter Olympics, Wasserman has kept a low profile there, avoiding direct questions from the press. With the LA Games just two years away, the board’s decision could shape public trust and the event’s legacy. Critics argue that retaining Wasserman risks associating the Olympics with Epstein’s shadow, while supporters point to the time elapsed and lack of criminal charges.
This unfolding story highlights broader concerns about accountability in high-profile positions, especially when past associations resurface. As more voices join the debate, the pressure on Wasserman—and the LA28 committee—continues to build.