The chairman of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Casey Wasserman, found himself at the center of a storm when newly released Epstein files exposed flirty, suggestive emails he exchanged with Ghislaine Maxwell more than two decades ago—messages that now clash violently with his role leading the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
In 2003, while married, Wasserman wrote to Maxwell: “I think of you all the time… So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Maxwell responded with offers of a “drive a man wild” massage. The exchanges, part of the latest Justice Department release, sparked outrage and calls from Los Angeles politicians for Wasserman to resign, fearing distraction and reputational damage ahead of the Games.
Wasserman quickly apologized, saying he “deeply regrets” the correspondence from “over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light,” and denied any personal or business ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
How will this scandal impact preparations for LA2028—and what other names might still emerge from those files?
The chairman of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Casey Wasserman, found himself embroiled in controversy in early 2026 when newly released Epstein files exposed flirty, suggestive emails he exchanged with Ghislaine Maxwell more than two decades earlier—messages that now clash sharply with his high-profile role leading preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The emails, part of the latest Justice Department release in February 2026, date to 2003. In them, Wasserman wrote to Maxwell: “I think of you all the time… So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Maxwell responded playfully, offering a “drive a man wild” massage and teasing about continuing it “into your bed … and then again in the morning.” Other exchanges included innuendo about floating naked on a foggy beach. Wasserman, married at the time, engaged enthusiastically in the banter.
The revelations sparked immediate backlash in Los Angeles. Multiple city council members (including Hugo Soto-Martínez, Monica Rodriguez, and Imelda Padilla), county supervisors (Janice Hahn and Lindsey Horvath), and state senator Lena Gonzalez called for Wasserman to resign. They argued the scandal created a distraction, risked reputational damage to the Games, and undermined LA28’s focus on athletes and community preparation. Supervisor Hahn emphasized that Wasserman’s presence “distracts focus from our athletes and the enormous effort needed to prepare for 2028,” while others highlighted concerns about optics, especially given the Games’ emphasis on empowering women and youth.
Wasserman quickly issued a public apology, stating he “deeply regrets” the correspondence from “over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light.” He denied any personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and expressed regret for any association with Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year sentence.
The impact on LA2028 preparations remains uncertain but tangible. The controversy unfolded amid the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, where Wasserman kept a low profile, avoiding direct media engagement. Local officials’ calls for resignation raised questions about leadership stability, fundraising, and public support for the Games, which aim to be more sustainable and community-focused than past Olympics. However, major stakeholders have not joined the chorus: the International Olympic Committee expressed “full trust” in Wasserman, stating leadership structure falls outside IOC control. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee also declined to pressure him, referencing his apology.
As for what else might emerge, the Epstein files—released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act—continue to surface in massive tranches, potentially naming more prominent figures in philanthropy, business, and entertainment. Previous releases implicated ties involving Bill Gates, Leon Black, and others in Epstein’s orbit, often through flights, donations, or meetings unrelated to crimes. No evidence links Wasserman or recipients to Epstein’s illegal activities, but ongoing disclosures could reveal additional associations, flight logs, or communications that fuel scrutiny.
The scandal underscores how decades-old private exchanges can resurface to threaten modern legacies. For LA2028, the key question is whether Wasserman weathers the storm or if mounting pressure forces change—potentially disrupting momentum for an event already navigating budget, venue, and public-perception challenges.
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