US Olympic Committee Responds to Wasserman’s Epstein Ties

The head of the United States Olympic Committee has addressed concerns regarding LA28 president Casey Wasserman following the revelation of his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. CEO Sarah Hirshland emphasized that organizers adhere to “very high standards of conduct.”

Her remarks come on the heels of Justice Department documents that disclosed email exchanges between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, who has faced sex-related accusations.

While Wasserman has not been charged with any crime, these developments have intensified scrutiny on the LA28 organizing committee, prompting calls for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to step down.

Speaking from Milan, Hirshland noted that fostering a culture of safety and trust is essential. “We have worked hard over the past several years to build our culture and instill confidence, especially in our athletes, that we are an organization that embodies the right values and has the very high standards of conduct that we expect,” she stated in an interview.

“At the heart of it is respect,” she added.

Despite ongoing demands for Wasserman’s resignation, the LA28 Board of Directors recently expressed their support for him following an internal investigation.

Hirshland, who also sits on the LA28 board, pointed out that the matter concerning Wasserman’s future is ultimately up to the board as a whole. “I’m on that board. It’s no secret,” she mentioned. “It’s the board’s responsibility to ensure proper governance.”

In response to the backlash, Wasserman has attempted to distance himself from the situation, listing his talent agency for sale just last week.

Before heading to the Winter Olympics, he stated that the controversial email was “sent a long time ago,” also referring to Maxwell’s actions as a “terrible crime.” Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking and abusing minors.