The pressure is mounting for Casey Wasserman to step down as LA28 chair, with a significant bloc of state lawmakers now joining the chorus! It seems his personal conduct has become too much of a distraction for the upcoming Summer Games and Paralympics in Los Angeles. This call for his resignation from the LA County Legislative Delegation, representing 37 members, adds considerable weight to the demands already voiced by Mayor Karen Bass. They believe it's crucial for LA28 to move forward with maximum confidence in its leadership.
This is a really big deal because these are the state politicians who will, quite literally, be hosting the Olympics in their own backyard. They're the ones who will be looking to Sacramento – a delegation already known for its influence due to its size and diverse perspectives – to help prepare the state for the immense pressure the Games will inevitably place on Los Angeles' infrastructure, workforce, and economy.
But here's where it gets controversial... Wasserman has been facing a relentless wave of professional fallout this month. High-profile figures like pop singer Chappell Roan, country artist Orville Peck, and Olympic medalist Abby Wambach have all departed his talent agency. This exodus continued even after Wasserman announced he would sell his company. Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez highlighted the need for "selflessness and accountability," emphasizing that anything distracting from the success and credibility of the LA Olympics risks undermining a "historic opportunity for Los Angeles and our country."
And this is the part most people miss... While many are calling for Wasserman's exit, not everyone is on the same page. On Tuesday, some lawmakers expressed uncertainty, citing a lack of information. Others, including Tina McKinnor, initially chose not to comment. Even State Senator Ben Allen, who chairs the special committee on the Olympics, while expressing concern about Wasserman's past relationships, stopped short of demanding his resignation. He indicated he would be in contact with the LA28 executive board, which previously stated they would not remove Wasserman after an independent review found his connection with Epstein and Maxwell hadn't gone beyond what was already public. Senator Allen did, however, acknowledge that at some point, the situation could become such a distraction that stepping down would be in the best interest of the Games, regardless of the specific details.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you believe Wasserman's continued presence as chair jeopardizes the LA Olympics, or should he be given more time? Let us know in the comments below!
