Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has expressed her disapproval of Casey Wasserman continuing in his role as chair of the LA28 Olympics in light of recent revelations regarding his past communications with Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex trafficker. In an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Bass labeled the organizers’ support for Wasserman as “unfortunate” and urged him to step down, although she acknowledged that this is not the board’s consensus.
Two weeks prior, Bass had refrained from taking a stance on Wasserman’s situation, instead suggesting it was up to the LA28 board to determine his future. However, following a thorough review of Wasserman’s conduct, the board’s executive committee declared he should remain in his position, citing his effective leadership capacities.
Wasserman has publicly apologized for his past emails to Maxwell, which transpired before her criminal actions came to light. He has also announced the sale of his sports and entertainment company in response to backlash over these communications. Notably, the executive committee of LA28 is scrutinizing Wasserman’s past and has engaged external counsel to assist in this evaluation, indicating their commitment to addressing allegations seriously.
The LA28 Olympics have been mired in controversy, with more than ten local political figures, including a significant portion of the Los Angeles City Council, calling for Wasserman’s resignation, emphasizing that the ongoing issues surrounding his persona are a distraction from the Olympics. Among those advocating for his removal is City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who has a history of advocacy for women’s rights.
While Bass believes that past associations do not accurately represent the leadership desired for the Olympics, she admitted that her influence over LA28’s governance is limited, as the organization operates independently. Despite this, the pressure from council members and advocates for change continues to mount, reflecting a broader concern over the moral integrity of those leading such a high-profile event.
The unfolding drama underscores the complexities of navigating public relations in conjunction with high-stakes events like the Olympics. As the city prepares for the Summer Games, it remains crucial that the leadership is viewed as credible and trustworthy to foster confidence among stakeholders and the public alike.