L.A. Leaders Urge Casey Wasserman to Resign from Olympics Committee
In a significant development, local leaders from Los Angeles are urging Casey Wasserman, chair of the LA28 Olympics committee, to resign. This demand arises following the emergence of controversial emails between Wasserman and convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell. These emails have ignited concerns over Wasserman’s suitability for the role, particularly as the city prepares for the 2028 Summer Games.
Calls for Resignation
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn stated, “I think Casey Wasserman needs to step down.” She emphasized that his presence may divert attention from athletes and preparations crucial for the Games.
State Senator Lena Gonzalez and several Los Angeles City Council members, including Hugo Soto-Martínez, Monica Rodriguez, and Imelda Padilla, have echoed these sentiments. City Controller Kenneth Mejia weighed in on social media, asserting that Wasserman should “take accountability and resign.”
Previous Connections and Controversy
The controversy intensified after the Justice Department released investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which included emails from over 20 years ago between Wasserman and Maxwell. In their correspondence from March and April 2003, Wasserman expressed interest in physical encounters, while Maxwell hinted at offers that could “drive a man wild.”
Maxwell was found guilty in 2021 of trafficking young women. Although Wasserman has not been accused of any crime, many believe the revelations about his past relationships cast a shadow on his current position.
Statements from Local Leaders
- Supervisor Lindsey Horvath highlighted the contradiction between LA28’s goals for increased female participation and Wasserman’s association with Maxwell.
- Senator Gonzalez called for accountability, stating that mere feelings of regret are insufficient.
- Rodriguez criticized LA28 for its lack of transparency regarding civil rights and human trafficking concerns in its planning.
Wasserman, who is currently in Italy for meetings related to the Winter Olympics, has publicly expressed his regret over the emails, clarifying that the exchanges occurred long before Maxwell’s crimes were known. He denied any personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, indicating he attended a humanitarian trip on Epstein’s plane in 2002.
Impact on Olympic Planning
As calls for Wasserman to resign continue to grow, local officials express concern that his alleged past could negatively impact the upcoming Games. The sentiment among city leaders is clear: leadership associated with such controversies cannot effectively guide Los Angeles in its Olympic endeavors.
The situation remains dynamic, and the future of Wasserman’s role as Chair of the LA28 Olympics committee now hangs in the balance. While preparations for the 2028 Games proceed, the scrutiny on Wasserman intensifies with each passing day.
