MILAN — Persistent pressure is intensifying for Casey Wasserman to relinquish his role as chief of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics preparatory committee, following the city’s mayor urging his resignation due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein’s ex-partner.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass informed CNN on Monday evening, stating, “My view is that he ought to resign,” notwithstanding Wasserman’s endorsement last week from the LA28 committee to continue in his position.
This matter has served as a considerable diversion for the International Olympic Committee throughout this month, ever since Wasserman’s playful emails from 2003 with Ghislaine Maxwell were revealed in a publication of United States government files mere days before the Milan Cortina Winter Games commenced.
The IOC had steadfastly parried inquiries in Milan concerning Wasserman, asserting it was an issue pertinent to the LA28 board, though its discourse underwent a slight shift on Tuesday.
“I recognize numerous discussions are presently occurring, yet I shall refrain from offering additional commentary,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams stated Tuesday in Milan. “Evidently, this remains a concern for the LA28 board at this juncture.”
Mayor Bass informed CNN that “I cannot dismiss [Wasserman]” throughout a studio interview; nevertheless, she openly declared her belief that he ought to depart.
Repercussions within the entertainment and sports agency Wasserman established have occasioned the loss of patrons following the emails’ disclosure, among them musical artist Chappell Roan and soccer icon Abby Wambach. Wasserman is currently engaged in the sale of the firm.
The examination of Wasserman has intensified, even though the LA Olympics board last week endorsed his continuation, founded upon an evaluation, with which he collaborated, conducted by independent legal advisors regarding his interactions with Epstein and Maxwell.
“I consider that determination regrettable,” Bass informed CNN. “I do not endorse the judgment. I genuinely believe we must assess the stewardship. Nevertheless, my responsibility as the mayor of Los Angeles is to ensure our metropolis is thoroughly ready to host the most exceptional Olympic Games ever witnessed in the annals of Olympic history.”
The mayor and California Gov. Gavin Newsom hold pivotal responsibilities in contributing to the triumph of the L.A. Olympics and Paralympics by guaranteeing that all levels of administration back the intricate organizational hurdles that will envelop the city during July and August of 2028.
Wasserman has served as a primary impetus for the L.A. Olympics ever since the proposal was initiated in 2015. Queries concerning his standing have circulated from before his arrival in Milan a fortnight ago to convene with IOC delegates and participate in the inaugural event.
The L.A. preparatory committee provided a briefing on the organizational blueprint to IOC delegates during their yearly assembly.
Wasserman and additional functionaries were interrogated regarding subjects like the handling of visas for international guests entering the U.S., but not concerning private affairs.
He has faced no allegations of illicit conduct in relation to Epstein and Maxwell.
“I profoundly lament my communication with Ghislaine Maxwell,” which occurred “considerably prior to the revelation of her atrocious offenses,” Wasserman declared in a communiqué released before his arrival in Milan.
Maxwell received a conviction in 2021 for five charges of sexual exploitation and maltreatment of underage individuals, and is currently undergoing a two-decade correctional term.