Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass avoided answering a reporter’s question about Casey Wasserman, the chair of the LA28 Organizing Committee. There’s been mounting pressure for his resignation after emails surfaced that show flirtatious interactions with Ghislaine Maxwell.
Bass, who has collaborated closely with Wasserman on the city’s plans for the 2028 Olympics, chose not to comment on his suggestive exchanges with Maxwell, known for her association with Jeffrey Epstein, during a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Bass indicated she would “release a statement soon.”
She later made a brief statement asserting that the decision regarding Wasserman’s position would ultimately be made by the LA28 Board of Directors.
“As Los Angeles gears up to host its third Olympic Games and the first Paralympic Games, it’s crucial that we keep our focus solely on making our city shine and ensuring the 2028 Olympics are the best in history,” she said.
Bass highlighted that the leadership decisions regarding LA28 are under the purview of the board, emphasizing its status as an independent nonprofit organization.
Wasserman, 51, who is also the CEO of Wasserman Media Group, communicated inappropriately with Maxwell back in 2003, during his marriage to Laura Ziffren. In one instance, he requested a sexual massage through email.
“I’ll be in New York for four days starting April 22nd… can I book that massage now?” Wasserman asked in an email from April 2003.
Maxwell responded eagerly just two days later: “Is it okay to rub it like this? Honestly, I get a bit choked up thinking about it.” She added, “Could you try it on yourself and let me know if it works?”
Following the revelations, several public officials have called for Wasserman’s resignation. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, a collaborator with Wasserman on the committee, expressed concern that his presence could distract athletes from their preparations for the 2028 Games.
