Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly called for Casey Wasserman, president of the organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics, to resign after his name appeared in documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bass expressed her disappointment during an interview with CNN, noting that it is troubling that the Olympic organizers continue to support Wasserman despite his past flirtatious communications with Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, two decades ago. This situation raises questions about the integrity of the leadership overseeing the highly anticipated Olympic Games.

Several city officials have also urged Wasserman to step down, compounding the pressure on the organizing committee. Until now, Bass had refrained from taking a definitive stance, indicating that the decision should be made by the board of the 2028 Olympics. However, Bass's recent statements suggest a shift in her position, indicating that she firmly believes Wasserman should resign. On February 11, the Los Angeles Olympic board had expressed support for Wasserman, which further complicates the situation for city leaders who are seeking accountability.

Last week, in light of the backlash over the correspondence with Maxwell, Wasserman announced plans to sell Wasserman Media, the sports and entertainment agency he founded. This step can be viewed as an attempt to distance himself from the controversy that has arisen, as well as a move to maintain the trust of stakeholders involved in the Olympic Games. The ongoing saga highlights the intersection of sports, ethics, and the weight of historical actions affecting present leadership roles in major sporting events.