LA28 Sponsors Back Wasserman Amid Leadership Questions | Sportspro News
Los Angeles 2028 organizers are standing firm behind chairman Casey Wasserman despite ongoing scrutiny related to his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Reynold Hoover, chief executive of LA28, publicly affirmed the committee’s support, emphasizing the strength of the organization’s leadership and its continued success in securing sponsorships.
The reaffirmation comes after the release of emails dating back to 2003 between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of Epstein. The emails surfaced late last month as part of a broader release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice. Wasserman has apologized for the correspondence, stating he was unaware of the criminal activities of Epstein and Maxwell at the time.
Despite the controversy, the LA28 executive committee released a statement on , following a review of Wasserman’s past conduct. The committee concluded that Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell “did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented.” The statement highlighted a single interaction – a humanitarian mission to Africa in 2003 on Epstein’s plane at the invitation of the Clinton Foundation – and subsequent publicly known email exchanges with Maxwell.
“We found Mr. Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and [Ghislaine] Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented,” the executive committee stated. “Twenty-three years ago, before Mr. Wasserman or the public knew of Epstein and Maxwell’s deplorable crimes, Mr. Wasserman and his then-wife flew on a humanitarian mission to Africa on Epstein’s plane at the invitation of the Clinton Foundation. This was his single interaction with Epstein. Shortly after, he traded the publicly-known emails with Maxwell.”
The committee further justified its decision by citing Wasserman’s “strong leadership” over the past decade, asserting he should continue to lead LA28 and ensure a “safe and successful Games.”
Hoover reinforced this message, telling Reuters on , that sponsors have not expressed any concerns regarding Wasserman’s position. He recounted a recent meeting in Dallas with a potential sponsor where the issue was not even raised. “I was at a meeting in Dallas with a potential sponsor — hopefully we’ll get them signed up — and it wasn’t even raised,” Hoover said.
The continued backing of Wasserman is particularly significant given the financial complexities surrounding the Games. The LA28 budget currently stands at $7.1 billion, and organizers have repeatedly revised expense projections upward. Concerns remain about potential cost overruns and the possibility of taxpayers being responsible for any shortfalls.
The situation has prompted calls for Wasserman’s resignation from a growing number of California politicians, who express concern that the ongoing publicity surrounding the Epstein files could jeopardize sponsorship deals. The LA28 committee relies on a combination of sponsorships, ticket sales, and licensing agreements to fund the Games.
However, Hoover’s comments suggest that, at least for now, the financial foundation of LA28 remains stable. The committee’s supporters argue that Wasserman’s fundraising abilities are crucial to keeping the Games on track financially.
The controversy has already had a tangible impact on Wasserman’s talent agency, with several high-profile clients, including former soccer star Abby Wambach, departing in the wake of the revelations. Wambach’s departure underscores the potential for broader reputational damage beyond the immediate concerns about the Olympics.
Despite the loss of clients and the political pressure, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has also voiced its support for the LA28 leadership, further solidifying Wasserman’s position. This backing from the national governing body adds another layer of protection against calls for his removal.
Looking ahead, the LA28 committee faces the challenge of navigating the remaining years leading up to the Games while managing the ongoing fallout from the Epstein controversy. Maintaining sponsor confidence and ensuring financial stability will be paramount, and Wasserman’s leadership will be under continued scrutiny. The committee’s ability to deliver on its promises of a safe and successful Games will ultimately determine whether the current course is sustainable.
Wasserman is also planning to sell his talent agency amid the fallout, according to reports. This move suggests an attempt to distance himself from the controversy and potentially mitigate further damage to the LA28 brand.