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LA 2028 chair expresses regret over old messages to Epstein associate
Casey Wasserman, chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, has publicly apologized for flirtatious emails he exchanged with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. The messages were among millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday.
The emails and Wasserman's response
In one of the disclosed exchanges, Wasserman wrote to Maxwell, then a socialite linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, "I think of you all the time... So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?"
Wasserman issued a statement through AFP, saying, "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light." He stressed that he had "never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein."
Clinton Foundation connection
Wasserman acknowledged traveling on Epstein's private jet in 2002 as part of a Clinton Foundation humanitarian delegation. "I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them," he added.
The Clinton Foundation, where Wasserman serves as a trustee, has faced scrutiny over its past ties to Epstein. Former President Bill Clinton has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, stating he was unaware of Epstein's crimes.
Maxwell's conviction and ongoing investigations
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in recruiting and trafficking underage girls for Epstein's abuse. Epstein, convicted of sexual offenses in 2008, died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Last month, Maxwell agreed to testify under oath before a congressional committee investigating the federal government's handling of the Epstein case. The committee has also summoned Bill and Hillary Clinton to provide testimony.
Broader fallout from the Epstein files
The release of the DOJ documents has reignited scrutiny of high-profile figures who interacted with Epstein or Maxwell. While the files do not implicate Wasserman in any wrongdoing, they have prompted renewed questions about those connected to the financier.
The BBC has reached out to Wasserman for further comment but has not yet received a response.
