Casey Wasserman’s LA28 leadership challenged in postponed city council vote
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Calls grow for Casey Wasserman to step down
Additional people are calling on LA28 chair Casey Wasserman to step down from his position following decades old emails with Ghislaine Maxwell.
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles City Council on Friday hit the pause button on a formal resolution regarding LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman’s leadership.
The delay comes as city leaders weigh the reputational risks of Wasserman’s historical association with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell against the findings of an independent investigation.
What we know:
The resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, expresses "concern regarding the potential conflict" between Olympic integrity and Wasserman’s presence in the Epstein files. It stops short of a formal resignation demand but calls for a "thorough and transparent review."
Meanwhile, the LA28 Executive Committee has already concluded a private review via outside counsel O’Melveny & Myers LLP. That probe found no evidence of a relationship beyond a single 2003 humanitarian flight and previously documented emails.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- LA28 Board backs Casey Wasserman following Epstein-Maxwell investigation
- Calls grow for Casey Wasserman to step down
- Casey Wasserman selling talent agency following Ghislaine Maxwell email scandal
Wasserman has since apologized, noting the interactions occurred over two decades ago, and has announced plans to sell his marketing agency to focus entirely on the 2028 Games.
What we don't know:
The City Council provided no official explanation for Friday's sudden postponement.
It remains unclear if the one-week delay is intended to allow for behind-the-scenes negotiations with the LA28 committee or if council members are seeking more information regarding the "independent" nature of the O'Melveny & Myers review.
Timeline:
2003: Wasserman and his then-wife travel to Africa on Jeffrey Epstein’s plane for a Clinton Foundation mission.
Feb. 11, 2026: Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez introduces the resolution following the release of DOJ documents.
February 2026: Mayor Karen Bass, City Controller Kenneth Mejia, and Supervisor Janice Hahn call for Wasserman's resignation.
March 6, 2026: City Council postpones the resolution vote.
March 13, 2026: Rescheduled date for the City Council to consider the measure.
What they're saying:
The LA28 Board remains firm in their support, stating, "We found Mr. Wasserman's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented."
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Karen Bass calls on Casey Wasserman to resign from LA28 amid emails with Ghislaine Maxwell
However, the proposed city resolution urges the IOC to ensure leadership roles are held by those who "consistently reflect the Olympic movement's commitment to integrity, accountability, and respect for all people."
What's next:
The resolution is set for consideration on March 13.
If approved, the formal statement of concern will be delivered to the LA28 Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), potentially increasing international pressure on the local organizing body to address the leadership controversy before the eyes of the world turn to Los Angeles.
The Source: This report is based on official legislative records from the Los Angeles City Council and the specific text of the resolution introduced by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. Detailed information regarding the internal investigation into Casey Wasserman was sourced directly from official statements released by the LA28 Executive Committee Board and findings reported by their outside counsel, O'Melveny & Myers LLP.