LA Council Postpones Vote on Resolution for LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman
City Council Delays Vote on Resolution Regarding LA28 Chairman
The Los Angeles City Council postponed the discussion of a resolution concerning Olympic chairman Casey Wasserman, emphasizing the need for leadership in the LA28 Organizing Committee to align with the core values of the Olympic movement. The decision, made on Friday, was prompted by growing concerns over Wasserman’s past communications with Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted associate of financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The resolution aims to formally outline the council’s stance on Wasserman’s association with the Epstein case, which has come under intense public scrutiny. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez introduced the measure, seconded by Councilwoman Imelda Padilla. Initially slated for a vote on March 6, the council has rescheduled deliberations to March 13 without providing further explanation.
While the resolution does not explicitly call for Wasserman’s resignation, it expresses concern over "the potential conflict between the Olympic movement’s values and Casey Wasserman’s association with the Epstein files." It also calls for a thorough and transparent investigation of his involvement in ongoing inquiries.
Moreover, the resolution urges the LA28 Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee to ensure that all leadership roles are filled by individuals who embody the Olympic spirit of integrity, accountability, and respect for all.
If passed, the resolution will be distributed to the LA28 Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee, as well as other relevant stakeholders in the Games.
In February, multiple council members, alongside City Controller Kenneth Mejia and L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, called for Wasserman’s resignation amid revelations of inappropriate emails exchanged with Maxwell, convicted in 2021 for her role in Epstein’s sexual abuse scandal. Mayor Karen Bass also publicly echoed these sentiments during a recent interview.
Despite the mounting pressure, the LA28 Executive Committee expressed its support for Wasserman, underscoring that an independent investigation found no evidence of misconduct beyond what was already publicly known. The committee emphasized its commitment to addressing any leadership concerns.
LA28 contracted outside counsel O’Melveny & Myers LLP to conduct the review of Wasserman’s interactions with Maxwell and Epstein. The board stated that Wasserman fully cooperated, noting, “We found Mr. Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented.”
The committee clarified that Wasserman’s sole interaction with Epstein occurred during a humanitarian trip to Africa nearly 23 years ago, following an invitation from the Clinton Foundation, well before the enormity of Epstein and Maxwell’s crimes was known. Wasserman has since acknowledged his past correspondence with Maxwell but has denied any personal or business relationship with Epstein.
The issue has gained renewed attention following the release of documents related to Epstein’s case by the U.S. Department of Justice. Wasserman, who is also stepping back from his role in his talent agency amidst the ongoing fallout, is the grandson of Hollywood legend Lew Wasserman and founder of Wasserman, a sports marketing and talent agency.
As scrutiny of Wasserman’s past continues, the implications for the LA28 leadership and the upcoming Olympic Games remain significant.
