The head of the Los Angeles Olympic Committee, Casey Wasserman, is facing mounting calls for his resignation following the release of emails revealing flirtatious exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell, the former companion of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy threatens to overshadow preparations for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and has already prompted a prominent musical artist to sever ties with Wasserman’s agency.
The emails, dating back to , surfaced in late January and depict Wasserman expressing interest in Maxwell, describing a desire to see her in “a tight leather outfit.” Wasserman, who was married at the time, has since issued a statement expressing “deep regret” for the correspondence, emphasizing that it occurred three years before Epstein’s initial arrest. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but the content of the emails has fueled criticism and demands for his removal.
The fallout has extended beyond the political sphere. Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan announced on Monday that she had terminated her relationship with Wasserman’s agency, citing the need to distance herself from actions that contradict her moral values. “No artist, agent, or employee should be put in a position to defend or turn a blind eye to acts that are deeply inconsistent with our moral values,” Roan stated. Other, less well-known artists have also reportedly left the agency in recent days, with some suggesting a potential buyout and rebranding of the company.
Several Los Angeles city officials have publicly called for Wasserman to step down from his leadership role with LA . Councilmember Janice Hahn stated that Wasserman’s continued leadership “distracts from our athletes and the considerable efforts needed to prepare for .” Despite the growing pressure, Wasserman maintained a low profile during a visit to the Winter Olympics in Milan, declining to address questions from reporters. However, he has received public support from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
USOPC President Gene Sykes offered a brief statement, stating that Wasserman “has made a statement that reflects his point of view… We have nothing to add to that. His statement speaks for itself.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has refrained from commenting directly on the matter, citing the importance of allowing the LA board of directors to address the issue. The board comprises approximately thirty individuals, many of whom have close ties to Wasserman or his family, including his father, Lew Wasserman, a former studio executive at Universal Studios.
A resignation appears unlikely given these connections. Wasserman has cultivated strong relationships with influential figures, including those within the Trump administration, and has been instrumental in the planning and fundraising for the Games for over a decade. The Los Angeles model for the Olympics, similar to , relies heavily on private funding. The estimated budget of billion dollars is expected to be financed with billion dollars from sponsorships.
Should the organizing committee fail to secure sufficient private funding, California taxpayers could be liable for several hundred million dollars. As of early December, Wasserman announced that over billion dollars in sponsorships had already been secured. Despite the recent controversy, major sponsors such as Google, Uber, Starbucks, and Honda have yet to publicly respond or indicate any intention to withdraw their support.
The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein, even those not directly implicated in his crimes. The revelations regarding Wasserman come amid a broader examination of Epstein’s network and the individuals who associated with him. The timing of the controversy, just two years before the Los Angeles Olympics, adds to the pressure on Wasserman and raises questions about the potential impact on the Games’ reputation and financial stability.
