Los Angeles Calls for Investigation into LA28 Olympics Chief Casey Wasserman Over Epstein Connections

The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved a resolution urging the Olympics committee to investigate LA 2028 chief Casey Wasserman over his connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Wasserman faces increasing pressure to step down following revelations that he flew on Epstein's private jet and exchanged flirtatious emails with Epstein's jailed associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, in 2003.

Although the resolution is symbolic and not legally binding, it reflects growing unease within the host city of the upcoming Summer Games regarding Wasserman's involvement.

The sports and entertainment executive has not been accused of any wrongdoing and has expressed regret over the decades-old exchanges.

The resolution, passed with a 12-0 vote, states concern about a "potential conflict between the Olympic movement's values and Casey Wasserman's association with the Epstein files."

It calls for a "thorough and transparent" review of Wasserman's relationship with Epstein.

"We found Mr. Wasserman's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented," the committee said previously.

Following the city council vote on Friday, the LA28 board told the BBC that it had already decided on Wasserman's future and is focused on progressing with the Games.

"With the Board's position on leadership established, LA28's focus remains on delivering a fiscally responsible, privately funded Games that protects taxpayers and benefits Los Angeles," the statement said. "We are on track to deliver a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028."

The vote occurred amid widespread calls for Wasserman's removal, including from celebrities, politicians, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Several musicians and athletes represented by Wasserman's talent agency announced they would be severing ties with the firm.

In an email obtained by the BBC, Wasserman apologized to his agency's 4,000 employees, writing, "I'm deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort."

He added, "It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about."

Wasserman, whose name appears in millions of Epstein-related documents, has not been accused of any wrongdoing by Epstein's victims. His inclusion in the files does not imply criminal activity. The BBC has reached out to his representatives regarding the city council's resolution.

He has previously stated that he "deeply regrets" his communications with Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for facilitating Epstein's sexual abuse of teenage girls.

Wasserman noted that his email exchanges with Maxwell "took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light," and emphasized that he never had any business dealings with Epstein.