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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass publicly called for Casey Wasserman to step down as chairman of the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games on Monday, marking a significant shift in her stance on the matter. The call for resignation comes after Wasserman’s name surfaced in the latest release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, specifically revealing email exchanges with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. This development adds further scrutiny to the preparations for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
The mayor’s statement represents a departure from her previous position two weeks ago, when she indicated that the decision regarding Wasserman’s future was within the purview of the LA28 board. Bass’s change of heart underscores the growing pressure surrounding Wasserman and the potential impact on the image of the upcoming Olympics. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are intended to be a showcase for the city and the nation, and the controversy surrounding its leadership poses a challenge to that vision.
Epstein Files Spark Calls for Wasserman’s Resignation
The controversy stems from the release of the Epstein files, which contained a salacious email exchange between Wasserman and Maxwell. While the emails reportedly occurred before Maxwell’s crimes were publicly known, their revelation has prompted calls for Wasserman to relinquish his position. Bass, speaking to CNN’s Dana Bash, stated, “My opinion is that he should step down.” She emphasized that this was her personal view, differing from the decision made by the LA28 board, which had previously supported Wasserman. NBC Los Angeles reported on the mayor’s comments Monday.
Bass reiterated that her role as mayor is to ensure Los Angeles is fully prepared to host a successful Olympic Games. Although, she also acknowledged the need to evaluate the leadership of LA28 in light of the recent revelations. “I do think that we need to look at the leadership,” she said, while maintaining that the ultimate decision rests with the board.
LA28 Board’s Previous Support and Wasserman’s Response
Despite the growing calls for his resignation, the LA28 board had previously voiced its support for Wasserman. The board’s decision, reached on February 11, was unanimous, according to Deadline. Sources indicated that Jeffrey Katzenberg was a key advocate for retaining Wasserman in his role.
Wasserman has previously apologized for his correspondence with Maxwell, expressing regret for any association with both her and Jeffrey Epstein. He stated that the exchanges took place before Maxwell’s criminal activities came to light and before her conviction for sex trafficking. Last week, Wasserman announced his intention to sell his sports and entertainment company, citing the backlash over the email exchanges as a contributing factor. The Los Angeles Times detailed Wasserman’s announcement and the surrounding controversy.
Shifting Tone from Mayor Bass
Mayor Bass’s evolving stance on the matter highlights the increasing pressure she faces to address the controversy surrounding Wasserman. Initially hesitant to intervene, Bass now believes that Wasserman’s continued leadership could jeopardize the integrity of the 2028 Olympics. Her public call for his resignation signals a willingness to seize a more assertive role in shaping the future of the Games. The New York Times summarized the situation as the latest official to call for Wasserman to step down.
The situation remains fluid, and the LA28 board’s response to Bass’s call for resignation is eagerly anticipated. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the planning and execution of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The focus now shifts to whether the board will reconsider its previous decision and heed the mayor’s request, or whether Wasserman will remain at the helm despite the ongoing controversy.
As the 2028 Olympics draw closer, the leadership structure of the organizing committee will continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny. The next steps will involve further discussions between Mayor Bass and the LA28 board, as well as potential consideration of alternative leadership options. The city of Los Angeles and the international Olympic community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
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