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Council passes symbolic resolution
Los Angeles lawmakers unanimously approved a measure on Friday pressing the Olympic committee to scrutinize LA 2028 chair Casey Wasserman's past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Background of the controversy
Documents released last month revealed Wasserman traveled on Epstein's private jet and exchanged messages described as flirtatious with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for aiding Epstein's abuse of underage girls.
Wasserman, who leads the organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Games, has not been charged with any offense. He has publicly expressed regret for the communications, which occurred over two decades ago.
Council's stance and Olympic response
The non-binding resolution, passed 12-0, voices "concern regarding the potential conflict between the Olympic movement's values and Casey Wasserman's association with the Epstein files." It formally requests a "thorough and transparent" review of his ties.
In a statement to the BBC after the vote, the LA28 board reiterated its earlier decision to retain Wasserman, citing an independent review that found no additional misconduct beyond what was already public. "With the Board's position on leadership established, LA28's focus remains on delivering a fiscally responsible, privately funded Games that protects taxpayers and benefits Los Angeles," the statement said.
Public pressure and Wasserman's moves
Calls for Wasserman's removal have intensified in recent weeks, with figures ranging from local politicians to celebrities joining the chorus. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has also weighed in, while several musicians and athletes represented by Wasserman's talent agency announced they would sever ties.
In response, Wasserman announced plans to sell the agency, acknowledging in an internal email that he had "become a distraction." The message, obtained by the BBC, expressed remorse to the firm's 4,000 employees: "I'm deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort. It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to the clients and partners we represent."
Legal and factual context
Wasserman's name appears among millions of documents linked to Epstein, though its inclusion does not imply any criminal wrongdoing. None of Epstein's victims have accused Wasserman of misconduct. His representatives have not yet responded to the BBC's request for comment on the city council vote.
In previous statements, Wasserman emphasized that his interactions with Maxwell predated awareness of her crimes and that he never conducted business with Epstein.
