Los Angeles asks for investigation into LA28 Olympics chief over Epstein ties

March 14, 2026

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a symbolic resolution calling for an investigation into LA 2028 Olympics chief Casey Wasserman's past connections to Jeffrey Epstein, following revelations that he flew on Epstein's private jet and exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. While Wasserman has not been accused of any wrongdoing and the LA28 executive committee previously cleared him after hiring outside counsel to review the matter, public pressure from celebrities, politicians, and even Mayor Karen Bass has intensified calls for his resignation. In response to becoming what he termed a "distraction," Wasserman has begun selling his major talent agency after numerous clients departed.

Who is affected

Casey Wasserman (LA 2028 chief and sports/entertainment executive)
The LA28 Olympic organizing committee and its executive board
Approximately 4,000 employees at Wasserman's talent agency
Musicians and athletes represented by Wasserman's firm who left the agency
Los Angeles residents and taxpayers as stakeholders in the 2028 Olympics
The LA City Council members who voted on the resolution
Mayor Karen Bass

What action is being taken

Casey Wasserman is in the process of selling his major LA-based talent agency
The LA28 board is proceeding with preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The City Council has passed a resolution calling for investigation (though it is symbolic and non-enforceable)

Why it matters

This situation matters because it raises questions about leadership integrity for one of the world's largest sporting events and whether associations with convicted criminals, even from decades ago without proven wrongdoing, disqualify someone from leading a high-profile international organization. The controversy also highlights tensions between public accountability and the Olympic committee's internal governance, as the symbolic city council resolution conflicts with the LA28 board's decision to retain Wasserman. Additionally, the situation has real consequences for Wasserman's business empire and the thousands of employees affected by his agency sale, while potentially casting a shadow over Los Angeles's reputation as host of the 2028 Games.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC