What's happened
LA28 chairman Wasserman remains in position after emails from over 20 years ago surfaced, showing flirtatious exchanges with Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend. Wasserman denies personal or business ties to Epstein. The LA28 board and LA mayor differ on whether he should step down amid ongoing controversy.
What's behind the headline?
The revelations about Wasserman's past highlight the persistent challenge of accountability for associations made before crimes are publicly known. The divergence between the LA28 board and Mayor Bass underscores the tension between leadership continuity and moral scrutiny. Wasserman's decision to sell his talent agency indicates recognition of the distraction his past has caused, yet his continued role in LA28 suggests a prioritization of event preparation over personal accountability. This case exemplifies how legacy associations can impact public trust and organizational stability, especially when linked to high-profile scandals. The story foreshadows ongoing debates about the boundaries of personal history and professional roles in the context of public events like the Olympics.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Wasserman's past emails with Maxwell, over 20 years old, have resurfaced, leading to criticism and calls for his resignation. Despite this, the LA28 board and Wasserman himself maintain his position, citing his leadership. Rory Carroll notes that the board's review concluded his interactions with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond publicly documented events. Sky News highlights Wasserman's apology and his decision to sell his talent agency, acknowledging his past mistakes. Reuters emphasizes the criticism and the agency's loss of a client, with Wasserman denying any personal or business relationship with Epstein. The contrasting perspectives reflect a debate over accountability versus organizational stability in the context of the upcoming Olympics.
How we got here
Wasserman's past includes a flight on Epstein's plane before Epstein's crimes were publicly known, and email exchanges with Maxwell. The emails emerged from U.S. Justice Department files, prompting scrutiny of his associations from over two decades ago. The LA28 board reviewed his history and decided he could remain as chairman, citing his leadership over the past decade. The controversy has led to calls for his resignation, but the mayor emphasizes her focus on hosting the Olympics.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for LA's Olympic preparations?
- How are different stakeholders reacting to Wasserman's past?
- Will this controversy influence future leadership decisions?
More on these topics
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Casey Wasserman is an entertainment executive and sports agent executive who owned the now defunct Arena Football League team the Los Angeles Avengers. He is the son of the Los Angeles socialite and philanthropist Lynne Wasserman and Jack Myers.
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Ghislaine Noelle Marion Maxwell is a British socialite, known for her association with financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.