In a significant move, the Executive Committee of LA28 has announced its unwavering support for chairman Casey Wasserman, despite recent scrutiny over his historical connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. This endorsement comes after an independent legal review, aiming to address the concerns raised by the public release of Department of Justice documents that brought these past associations back into the spotlight.
LA28 Executive Committee Stands by Chairman Casey Wasserman Amid Epstein Document Revelations
On February 11, 2026, the Executive Committee of the LA28 Los Angeles Olympics board convened and subsequently issued a statement of strong confidence in its chairman, Casey Wasserman. This decision follows a comprehensive review, assisted by external legal counsel from O'Melveny & Myers LLP, into Wasserman's interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell dating back to 2003.
The controversy ignited with the January 30 release of Department of Justice documents, which included emails between Wasserman and Maxwell. These exchanges occurred years before Epstein's initial arrest in Florida for soliciting prostitution. In one notable exchange from spring 2003, Maxwell expressed that she had been thinking of Wasserman "at inappropriate moments," to which he responded with a playful and suggestive message: "I think of you all the time ... So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit? I am in NY tonight, youre not, what am I to do? Xoxo cw."
Wasserman has publicly expressed his profound regret over the correspondence, clarifying that he never maintained a personal or business relationship with Epstein, apart from a 2002 humanitarian flight to Africa on Epstein's plane, alongside former President Bill Clinton and others. This was, he maintains, his sole direct interaction with Epstein. The committee's review corroborated that Wasserman's involvement with Epstein and Maxwell did not surpass what was already publicly disclosed.
Despite this official backing, the fallout has been palpable among some of Wasserman's clients in the entertainment industry. Artists such as Chappell Roan, Chelsea Cutler, Dropkick Murphys, and Sylvan Esso have reportedly ceased their association with him. Other notable figures like Beach Bunny and Best Coast have issued ultimatums for his resignation, marking a rare instance of clients publicly demanding a top executive's departure from a position of power.
The LA28 board, a diverse group including legal expert Alison Ressler, Democratic Party financier Jeffrey Katzenberg, long-standing sports figures like former Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, and Republican appointees such as Elaine Chao, Kevin McCarthy, Reince Priebus, and Diane Hendricks, affirmed its commitment to scrutinizing any allegations of misconduct. Their collective determination, based on the findings and Wasserman's decade-long leadership, is that he should continue to steer LA28 towards a safe and successful Olympic Games.
This situation underscores the intricate balance between past associations and current leadership roles, especially when public figures are involved in controversies of such a sensitive nature. It prompts a broader discussion on accountability, the thoroughness of investigative processes, and the impact of historical connections on contemporary responsibilities. The LA28 committee's decision reflects a judgment that Wasserman's actions, while regrettable, do not compromise his ability to lead the prestigious Olympic event, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive review before making significant leadership decisions.