Casey Wasserman Maintains Role with LA28 Amid Controversy

In a recent announcement, the organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics confirmed that Casey Wasserman, a prominent figure in entertainment, will continue in his role as committee chairman. This decision comes despite scrutiny regarding his previous associations with Ghislaine Maxwell, who has been convicted of sex trafficking.

Mr. Wasserman should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games, stated the executive committee of the board at LA28.

This statement was made shortly after Grammy Award-winning artist Chappell Roan severed ties with Wasserman’s talent agency, closely followed by Abby Wambach, the esteemed retired U.S. women’s soccer player, who announced a similar move.

Wasserman has expressed remorse for his email correspondence with Maxwell dating back to 2003. These communications were made public by the Justice Department in January alongside documents related to Maxwell’s former boyfriend, Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender.

In an apology issued last week, Wasserman clarified that his interactions with Maxwell happened over two decades ago, well before the world became aware of her crimes. He further emphasized that he had no personal or business ties with Epstein.

Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following her conviction on federal sex trafficking charges in 2021. Epstein, who faced similar accusations, took his own life in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Wasserman has never been accused or charged in connection with the legal proceedings involving Maxwell or Epstein. LA28’s executive board confirmed, We found Mr. Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented. They detailed a single instance in which Wasserman participated in a humanitarian mission to Africa on Epstein’s plane, organized by the Clinton Foundation. This was followed by email exchanges with Maxwell.

In the disclosed emails, Wasserman admires Maxwell, saying she should wear a tight leather outfit and mentions thinking about her often.

Addressing the concerns, LA28’s executive committee asserted its commitment to transparency and accountability. They conducted a review with the assistance of O’Melveny & Myers LLP into Wasserman’s past interactions with Epstein and Maxwell, with Wasserman providing full cooperation.

Casey Wasserman, grandson of the legendary Hollywood power broker Lew Wasserman, has been a key figure in securing the Olympics for Los Angeles again since it last hosted the Games in 1984. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) remains supportive, with Vice President Nicole Hoevertsz expressing full trust in Wasserman’s leadership in a recent statement.

Nevertheless, Wasserman faced backlash from some of his agency’s celebrity clients. Roan stated on Instagram that her departure was driven by her need for accountability and trustworthy leadership in the industry. Likewise, Abby Wambach noted her reasons for leaving involved Wasserman’s resignation.

Indie musicians have also voiced their concerns. Bethany Cosentino of the band Best Coast criticized Wasserman, stating she does not wish for her career to be associated with anyone linked to exploitation. In her open letter, Cosentino highlighted her inability to remain silent when confronted with circumstances where men in power evade consequences.

Daniel Arkin, a senior reporter at NBC News, contributed to this report.