LA Mayor Karen Bass Says LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman Should Resign After Maxwell Email Revelations

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says the controversy surrounding LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman has become serious enough that he should step down — even as the board overseeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games continues to support him.

The debate follows the recent release of U.S. Justice Department documents that included decades-old email exchanges between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein.

The document release is part of broader developments tied to previously unsealed court documents and investigative files that have resurfaced in recent weeks.

Readers can also review our previous coverage on what the latest Epstein document release reveals.

What Mayor Bass Said About the LA28 Leadership Controversy

In a CNN interview, Mayor Bass made her position clear.

“My opinion is that he should step down,” she said, referring to Wasserman’s role as chairman of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee.

However, Bass acknowledged that the LA28 board does not share her view. The board conducted its own review and concluded that Wasserman’s past interactions with Maxwell and Epstein did not extend beyond what had already been publicly documented.

Although Bass does not have the authority to remove him, she said the situation warrants a closer examination of leadership.

“The board made a decision. I think that decision was unfortunate.”

What the LA28 Board Review Found

According to the board’s findings, Wasserman’s only direct interaction with Epstein occurred approximately 23 years ago, when he and his then-wife traveled to Africa on Epstein’s private plane for what was described as a humanitarian trip.

LA28 officials emphasized that this was his sole encounter with Epstein. Wasserman has denied having any personal or business relationship with Epstein and previously apologized for his association with Maxwell.

The board praised Wasserman’s leadership and reaffirmed its confidence in his ability to lead preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

A Political and National Spotlight

The controversy has political implications as well, placing it within broader U.S. political developments and public accountability debates.

Mayor Bass stressed that her primary responsibility is ensuring Los Angeles delivers a safe and successful Olympics.

“My job as mayor of Los Angeles is to make sure that our city is completely prepared to have the best Olympics in history,” she said.

What Happens Next?

For now, the LA28 board’s decision keeps Wasserman in place as chairman of the Olympic organizing committee.

However, with the mayor publicly opposing that decision, questions about leadership, transparency, and public trust are likely to remain central to ongoing national news coverage.

As preparations continue, the spotlight on LA28 leadership is unlikely to fade anytime soon.