Full Breakdown
Los Angeles City Council Approves Resolution on LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman's Epstein Ties
3/15/2026, 6:47:49 AM
Resolution Details and Context
On February 11, 2026, the Los Angeles City Council approved a resolution concerning Casey Wasserman, the chairman of the LA28 Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This resolution, passed with a 12-0 vote, follows the release of documents revealing Wasserman's past email correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein. The resolution expresses concern regarding the potential conflict between Wasserman's associations and the Olympic movement's values, urging a thorough review of his involvement in ongoing investigations related to Epstein.
Background on Wasserman's Associations
Wasserman's ties to Epstein stem from a single humanitarian trip to Africa in 2002, during which he flew on Epstein's plane at the invitation of the Clinton Foundation. Following this trip, Wasserman exchanged emails with Maxwell, which have since drawn scrutiny. The LA28 Executive Committee has defended Wasserman, citing an independent review conducted by the law firm O'Melveny & Myers LLP, which concluded that his interactions with Epstein and Maxwell did not exceed what was publicly known. Wasserman has publicly apologized for his correspondence with Maxwell, emphasizing that it occurred long before her criminal activities were known.
Official Statements and Responses
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called for Wasserman's resignation, highlighting the need for accountability in Olympic leadership. Despite this, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that it will not intervene in the governance of the LA28 Organizing Committee. IOC President Kirsty Coventry remarked that the structure of the organizing committee is not within their purview. The LA28 Executive Committee continues to support Wasserman, asserting that he has demonstrated strong leadership over the past decade.
Criticism and Opposition
Local leaders, including members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the West Hollywood City Council, have expressed doubts about Wasserman's ability to lead, with some calling for his resignation. The resolution passed by the City Council reflects a growing sentiment among city officials for transparency and integrity in the Olympic leadership, aligning with public calls for a reevaluation of Wasserman's role.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the resolution does not explicitly demand Wasserman's resignation, it indicates a significant concern regarding his past associations. The City Council's decision to delay the vote for one week remains unexplained, raising questions about the internal dynamics influencing this matter. Additionally, the extent of Wasserman's involvement with Epstein and Maxwell continues to be a topic of debate, with varying opinions on the implications for his leadership role.
What's Next
The resolution will be sent to the LA28 Organizing Committee and the IOC, formalizing the city's stance on Wasserman's leadership amid ongoing preparations for the 2028 Games. As the situation develops, further scrutiny of Wasserman's past and its impact on the Olympic movement is anticipated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the statement released earlier, Wasserman said, "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light.” — Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairman
- “The City Council expresses concern regarding the potential conflict between the Olympic movement's values and Casey Wasserman's association with the Epstein files,” — Los Angeles City Council Resolution
- “From the IOC point of view, the (organizing committee) and how they are structured is not something we are going to get involved into,” — Kirsty Coventry, IOC President
