The Los Angeles City Council has postponed a decision on whether to push for the removal of Casey Wasserman from his role as chairman of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The delay comes amid concerns over Wasserman's past association with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. The council's resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, expresses concern about potential conflicts between Olympic integrity and Wasserman's presence in the Epstein files. However, it stops short of demanding his resignation and instead calls for a "thorough and transparent review."
Despite the controversy, the LA28 Executive Committee has conducted a private review through outside counsel O'Melveny & Myers LLP, finding no evidence of a relationship beyond a single 2003 humanitarian flight and previously documented emails. Wasserman has apologized for his past interactions, which he claims occurred long before Maxwell's criminal activities were known. He has also announced plans to sell his marketing agency to focus entirely on the 2028 Games.
The City Council has not provided an official explanation for the postponement, leaving it unclear whether the delay is intended for behind-the-scenes negotiations or further investigation into the independent review. The resolution is now set for consideration on March 13. If approved, it will be delivered to the LA28 Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), potentially increasing international pressure on the local organizing body.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and other city leaders, including City Controller Kenneth Mejia and Supervisor Janice Hahn, have called for Wasserman's resignation. However, the LA28 Board remains supportive, stating that Wasserman's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not extend beyond what has been publicly documented.