Key Takeaways
- LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover supports Casey Wasserman despite scrutiny over past emails linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Wasserman’s chair position faced challenges following the release of emails detailing exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell.
- An internal review found no undisclosed interactions, and Wasserman cooperated fully during the process.
- Local officials, including Mayor Karen Bass, have called for Wasserman’s resignation, fearing distractions from the 2028 Games preparations.
- The IOC stated it will not intervene, indicating governance decisions are for the LA28 committee.
The LA28 CEO support for Casey Wasserman was publicly confirmed following scrutiny over past email exchanges. LA28 is the organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. CEO Reynold Hoover stated that the board maintains confidence in Wasserman’s leadership. He said the organization remains focused on delivering the 2028 Games.
Casey Wasserman serves as chair of LA28. His position has been questioned after documents referencing Jeffrey Epstein were made public.
Background Behind LA28 CEO Support for Casey Wasserman
The LA28 CEO support for Casey Wasserman follows the release of government files that included 2003 email exchanges between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell was later convicted of sex-trafficking offenses linked to Epstein. The emails were described as personal in tone.
Wasserman stated that he regrets the correspondence. He has denied having a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
LA28’s executive board conducted an internal review with outside legal counsel. The board said the review found no undisclosed interactions beyond what had already been publicly reported. According to the board, Wasserman cooperated fully during the review process.
Political Reaction to LA28 CEO Support for Casey Wasserman
The LA28 CEO support for Casey Wasserman comes amid calls for his resignation from local officials. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged that leadership be reconsidered. She stated that authority to remove Wasserman rests with the LA28 board.
Several city council members and county officials also called for his resignation. They expressed concern that the situation could distract from preparations for the Games.
The International Olympic Committee said it would not intervene. The IOC stated that governance decisions fall under the responsibility of the LA28 organizing committee.
LA28 continues preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games with Wasserman remaining as chair.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/la28-ceo-voices-strong-support-embattled-chair-wasserman-2026-02-23/
