Mayor Bass Says Wasserman Should Step Down as LA28 Olympics Chair Amid Epstein Emails Fallout

Feb 17, 2026

L.A. officials call on Casey Wasserman to resign from Olympics committee over emails released in Eps

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Monday that Casey Wasserman should step down as chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, marking one of the most prominent calls yet for his resignation amid controversy tied to newly released Epstein files. The mayor made her comments in a CNN interview, saying she cannot fire him but believes a change in leadership is necessary.

Bass’s remarks came as political and public pressure has grown around Wasserman’s role after government documents showed email exchanges between him and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. Though Wasserman has apologized and downplayed the significance of the messages, critics say his continued leadership distracts from preparations for the 2028 Games.

The LA28 Executive Committee recently conducted an independent review of Wasserman’s involvement and voted to retain him as chair, saying his interactions with Maxwell and Epstein “did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented.” The board, backed by outside counsel, noted Wasserman’s strong leadership as a reason to keep him in place.

Bass called the board’s decision “unfortunate” and emphasized her role is ensuring Los Angeles is ready to host the Olympics and Paralympics. Meanwhile, Wasserman has announced plans to sell his sports and talent agency, citing the fallout from the controversy.

“My opinion is that he should step down,” Bass said, underscoring her concerns about leadership.

The controversy has drawn criticism from several Los Angeles city council members and other elected officials, some of whom contend that the emails undermine the values the city wants to project on the world stage.

It matters because the LA28 chair plays a central role in planning and executing one of the most complex global sporting events, and leadership questions could affect public confidence and preparation momentum. Critics argue that unanswered questions over the disclosures could become a distraction in the years before the Summer Games begin.

Expect continued pressure from local officials and public figures, as well as responses from the LA28 board, ahead of key planning milestones.

For now, Wasserman remains in charge while debates over his leadership persist.

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