Casey Wasserman, chairman of the organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has announced plans to sell his talent agency in response to the release of emails linking him to the Jeffrey Epstein controversy. The emails, which were disclosed in recently released government documents, include exchanges between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein.
Wasserman’s agency, known for representing prominent pop music artists, has faced significant backlash following these revelations. Although he has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the emails, which date back to 2003, have raised questions about his past interactions with Maxwell. In a memo to his staff, Wasserman acknowledged that he had become a distraction to the agency’s operations and has initiated the process of selling the firm.
In the memo, Wasserman stated, “During this time, Mike Watts will assume day-to-day control of the business while I devote my full attention to delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028 that is worthy of this outstanding city.” This statement came shortly after an executive committee meeting of the LA28 board, which reviewed Wasserman’s past interactions with Epstein and Maxwell. The committee, along with an external legal firm, concluded that Wasserman’s relationship with the two individuals was limited to what has already been made public.
The LA28 committee expressed confidence in Wasserman’s leadership, asserting that he should continue to lead the organization to ensure a successful Olympic Games. Wasserman has previously mentioned that he flew on a humanitarian mission to Africa aboard Epstein’s private plane in 2002, an invitation extended by the Clinton Foundation.
The emails exchanged between Wasserman and Maxwell reportedly contained flirtatious comments, including Wasserman’s remark, “I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Such exchanges have resulted in some of Wasserman’s clients, including singer Chappell Roan and retired U.S. women’s soccer star Abby Wambach, distancing themselves from his agency.
Wasserman expressed regret over the situation, stating that his interactions with Maxwell and Epstein were limited and occurred long before their criminal activities were made public. He noted, “I deeply regret sending [the emails] and I’m heartbroken that my brief contact with them 23 years ago has caused you, this company, and its clients so much hardship over the past days and weeks.”
The unfolding story underscores the complexities of Wasserman’s position as he seeks to navigate the fallout from the Epstein scandal while preparing for the LA28 Olympic Games. As he steps back from the agency, the focus will shift to ensuring that the upcoming games maintain their integrity and are reflective of the values of the city of Los Angeles.