Casey Wasserman Retains Role for 2028 LA Olympics Amid Maxwell Controversy

The organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have confirmed that entertainment mogul Casey Wasserman will continue as the committee chairman, despite ongoing scrutiny regarding his past links to Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex trafficker. The executive committee of LA28’s board expressed confidence in Wasserman, stating, Mr. Wasserman should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games.

This announcement follows the recent decisions by Grammy-winning artist Chappell Roan and Abby Wambach, the retired U.S. women’s soccer star, to sever ties with Wasserman’s talent agency. The impetus for these decisions involves Wasserman’s email exchange with Maxwell back in 2003. These emails, which were released as part of a collection of documents from the Justice Department relating to the late Jeffrey Epstein, have come under scrutiny.

Wasserman expressed regret over these emails, acknowledging that they occurred over two decades ago, long before Maxwell’s criminal activities were known. He has made it clear that he had neither a personal nor business relationship with Epstein, Maxwell’s ex-boyfriend and confidant.

In 2021, Maxwell was convicted on federal sex trafficking charges and is now serving a 20-year prison sentence. Epstein, who was previously convicted in Florida in 2008, died in 2019 while awaiting further trial.

Despite the controversy, Wasserman has not faced any allegations or charges of wrongdoing related to Maxwell or Epstein. According to LA28’s executive board committee, Wasserman’s interactions did not extend beyond what is publicly documented. The committee highlighted Wasserman’s limited interaction with Epstein, which involved a humanitarian flight to Africa organized by the Clinton Foundation. Wasserman and his former wife participated in this trip before any criminal allegations against Epstein and Maxwell were public knowledge.

This was his single interaction with Epstein.

The committee underscored that shortly after the trip, Wasserman communicated with Maxwell via the emails now under public scrutiny. These emails included personal remarks, such as a statement about Maxwell wearing a tight leather outfit and Wasserman mentioning that he thought of her regularly.

LA28’s executive committee stressed its commitment to addressing any concerns related to the organization’s leadership. They conducted a detailed review with outside counsel from O’Melveny & Myers LLP and found no misconduct on Wasserman’s part. Wasserman fully cooperated during this review process.

Despite the committee’s support and the International Olympic Committee’s trust in Wasserman, he faces mounting pressures. On social media, artists and former clients like Roan and Wambach have expressed disappointment with the ongoing situation.

Chappell Roan highlighted that her departure reflected a broader call for accountability and trustworthy leadership in the industry. Similarly, Wambach insisted that Wasserman’s resignation is necessary to uphold ethical standards and protect client relationships.

Other industry voices, such as Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, have publicly criticized Wasserman. In an open letter, she condemned the silent complicity that often shields powerful men, stating that ignoring the seriousness of such associations was not an option.