Casey Wasserman, the prominent chief of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic organising committee, has issued a public apology for his past communications with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, while firmly denying any personal or business relationship with the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Flirtatious Email Exchanges Revealed
The apology comes following the release of personal email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell, which were made public in the latest document release from the US justice department concerning Epstein. These flirtatious communications date back to 2003, a period when Wasserman was married, and were among new files related to Epstein released on Friday.
Wasserman's Statement of Regret
In a statement issued early on Sunday, Wasserman stated emphatically: "I never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein." He elaborated on his limited association, explaining: "As is well documented, I went on a humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 on the Epstein plane. I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them."
Regarding his correspondence with Maxwell, Wasserman expressed deep regret, noting that these exchanges occurred before the full extent of Maxwell and Epstein's criminal activities became publicly known. "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell," he stated, adding that it happened before their crimes "came to light."
Background on Maxwell and Epstein
Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite and Epstein's former girlfriend, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty in 2021 of sex trafficking a minor. She was arrested in 2020, accused of recruiting and grooming girls for sexual encounters with Epstein between 1994 and 2004.
Jeffrey Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, leaving a complex legal legacy that continues to unfold through document releases and ongoing investigations.
Wasserman's Role in LA 2028 Olympics
Casey Wasserman is a highly influential sports and entertainment executive who currently serves as chairman of the LA28 Olympic organising committee. He has led this project since its bidding phase, playing a crucial role in securing the Games for Los Angeles.
The 2028 Summer Olympics were awarded to Los Angeles in 2017, marking a significant moment for American sports hosting. Wasserman is set to play a key role in organising the event, which will see the United States host the Olympic Games for the first time since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Historical Context of Los Angeles Olympics
This will be the third time that Los Angeles has hosted the Olympic Games, creating a notable historical pattern for the city. The United States previously staged the Olympics twelve years before the 1996 Atlanta Games, with those competitions also taking place in Los Angeles. The city first welcomed the world's best athletes back in 1932, establishing a long-standing relationship with the Olympic movement.
The 2028 Games represent not only a return to American soil but also a continuation of Los Angeles's Olympic legacy, with Wasserman positioned as a central figure in delivering what promises to be a landmark event in international sports.
