Casey Wasserman Retains LA 2028 Chair Amid Epstein File Controversy
Published 11 February 2026
Highlights
- Casey Wasserman will remain as chair of the LA 2028 Olympics despite calls for his resignation over ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
- The LA28 executive committee supports Wasserman, citing his leadership and limited interaction with Epstein.
- Abby Wambach, a former US soccer star, left Wasserman's agency, urging Wasserman to resign due to his past emails with Ghislaine Maxwell.
- Wasserman expressed regret over his correspondence with Maxwell, emphasizing no personal or business relationship with Epstein.
- The controversy has led to several high-profile clients severing ties with Wasserman's agency.
-
Rewritten Article
Casey Wasserman Retains LA 2028 Chair Amid Epstein File Controversy
Casey Wasserman will continue to lead the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games despite recent scrutiny over his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The LA28 executive committee announced its decision following a review of Wasserman's involvement, which was detailed in newly released files by the US Justice Department.
Committee Backs Wasserman
The LA28 executive committee issued a statement affirming Wasserman's leadership, noting that his interactions with Epstein and Maxwell were limited and occurred before their criminal activities were known. The committee emphasized Wasserman's role in ensuring a successful and secure Olympic Games, stating, "Mr. Wasserman should continue to lead LA28."
Wasserman, a prominent talent agent, faced criticism after documents revealed he flew on Epstein's private plane in 2003 and exchanged emails with Maxwell. Despite calls for his resignation, Wasserman clarified that his involvement with Epstein was limited to a humanitarian mission organized by the Clinton Foundation. He expressed regret over his correspondence with Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
High-Profile Departures
The controversy has prompted several high-profile figures to sever ties with Wasserman's agency. Abby Wambach, a former US soccer star, announced her departure, urging Wasserman to step down. "I read Casey Wasserman’s correspondences in the Epstein files. I know what I know, and I am following my gut and my values," Wambach stated on Instagram.
Pop star Chappell Roan also left the agency, citing a duty to protect her team and calling for accountability in the industry. The departures highlight the growing pressure on Wasserman amid the fallout from the Epstein files.
Wasserman's Response
Wasserman has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein. He reiterated his regret over the emails with Maxwell, stating, "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell." He maintained that he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein.
The LA28 board, which includes influential figures like Dreamworks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, conducted a thorough review with outside counsel before deciding to retain Wasserman. The board underscored its commitment to addressing allegations of misconduct seriously.
-
Scenario Analysis
The decision to retain Casey Wasserman as chair of the LA 2028 Olympics may continue to attract scrutiny, especially if more details emerge from the Epstein files. The departures of high-profile clients like Abby Wambach could prompt further resignations, potentially impacting Wasserman's agency and its reputation.
Legally, Wasserman faces no accusations of wrongdoing, but the situation underscores the broader implications of association with figures like Epstein and Maxwell. The LA28 committee's support suggests confidence in Wasserman's leadership, yet public and internal pressures may persist.
Moving forward, Wasserman's ability to navigate this controversy while maintaining the trust of stakeholders will be crucial. The situation also highlights the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in leadership roles, particularly in high-profile events like the Olympics.
Casey Wasserman will continue to lead the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games despite recent scrutiny over his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The LA28 executive committee announced its decision following a review of Wasserman's involvement, which was detailed in newly released files by the US Justice Department.
Committee Backs Wasserman
The LA28 executive committee issued a statement affirming Wasserman's leadership, noting that his interactions with Epstein and Maxwell were limited and occurred before their criminal activities were known. The committee emphasized Wasserman's role in ensuring a successful and secure Olympic Games, stating, "Mr. Wasserman should continue to lead LA28."
Wasserman, a prominent talent agent, faced criticism after documents revealed he flew on Epstein's private plane in 2003 and exchanged emails with Maxwell. Despite calls for his resignation, Wasserman clarified that his involvement with Epstein was limited to a humanitarian mission organized by the Clinton Foundation. He expressed regret over his correspondence with Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
High-Profile Departures
The controversy has prompted several high-profile figures to sever ties with Wasserman's agency. Abby Wambach, a former US soccer star, announced her departure, urging Wasserman to step down. "I read Casey Wasserman’s correspondences in the Epstein files. I know what I know, and I am following my gut and my values," Wambach stated on Instagram.
Pop star Chappell Roan also left the agency, citing a duty to protect her team and calling for accountability in the industry. The departures highlight the growing pressure on Wasserman amid the fallout from the Epstein files.
Wasserman's Response
Wasserman has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein. He reiterated his regret over the emails with Maxwell, stating, "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell." He maintained that he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein.
The LA28 board, which includes influential figures like Dreamworks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, conducted a thorough review with outside counsel before deciding to retain Wasserman. The board underscored its commitment to addressing allegations of misconduct seriously.
What this might mean
The decision to retain Casey Wasserman as chair of the LA 2028 Olympics may continue to attract scrutiny, especially if more details emerge from the Epstein files. The departures of high-profile clients like Abby Wambach could prompt further resignations, potentially impacting Wasserman's agency and its reputation.
Legally, Wasserman faces no accusations of wrongdoing, but the situation underscores the broader implications of association with figures like Epstein and Maxwell. The LA28 committee's support suggests confidence in Wasserman's leadership, yet public and internal pressures may persist.
Moving forward, Wasserman's ability to navigate this controversy while maintaining the trust of stakeholders will be crucial. The situation also highlights the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in leadership roles, particularly in high-profile events like the Olympics.
