Background on the Emails

Casey Wasserman, the chairman of Los Angeles’ 2028 Olympic organizing committee, had a personal and often racy exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell more than two decades before she was convicted for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation. These emails, which were recently released as part of federal records, reveal a flirtatious and sexually suggestive relationship between Wasserman and Maxwell. The correspondence took place in March and April 2003, when Wasserman was married to Laura Ziffren Wasserman.

The emails were among millions of pages released by the U.S. Department of Justice under a federal disclosure law. According to reports from the Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press, the exchanges reflect a close and intimate connection between the two individuals, long before Maxwell’s crimes became public knowledge.

Maxwell was later convicted in 2021 for the sexual exploitation of minors and received a 20-year sentence. Jeffrey Epstein, who was linked to Maxwell, committed suicide in custody in 2019 while awaiting sex-trafficking charges.

Wasserman’s Response

In a statement issued to the Los Angeles Times, Wasserman expressed regret over the emails and emphasized that the exchanges occurred “long before her horrific crimes came to light.” He stated, “I never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.” Wasserman also mentioned that he participated in a humanitarian trip with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 on Epstein’s plane. He added, “I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”

One of Maxwell’s emails from April 2003 included an explicit suggestion: “continue the massage concept into your bed … and then again in the morning … not sure if or when we would stop.” She later wrote, “the thought frankly is leaving me a little breathless. There are a few spots that apparently drive a man wild — I suppose I could practice them on you and you could let me know if they work or not?”

In another email, Maxwell mentions that “JE” (Jeffrey Epstein) wants to travel to Los Angeles to look at Malibu summer rentals and offers to bring Wasserman something from Paris. Wasserman responds, “I think you picking a week to be in LA is a really good idea … The only thing I want from Paris is you.”

Impact on Wasserman’s Role

These disclosures have brought renewed scrutiny to Wasserman, who has been the public face of Los Angeles’ Olympic effort since 2017. Appointed by then-Mayor Eric Garcetti, Wasserman has led the city’s presentations to the International Olympic Committee and played a key role in preparations for the 2028 Games.

Wasserman, known for his work as a sports and music entertainment mogul, has faced allegations of being a serial cheater. In August, he was accused of chronically sleeping with female staffers. A report by the Daily Mail cited 11 anonymous sources, including alleged mistresses, who claimed that Wasserman would shower his romantic interests with gifts and intense correspondence before losing interest.

Among the alleged mistresses were Patricia Feau, a former secretary and chief of staff; Kristen Merrill, a human resources employee; and Jenny Chandler, a former flight attendant on his private jet. These claims have raised questions about Wasserman’s conduct and leadership during his tenure as the head of the Olympic organizing committee.

Ongoing Investigations and Public Reaction

As these revelations continue to surface, there is growing pressure on Wasserman to address the allegations and clarify his actions. While he has apologized for the emails, many are questioning how such a high-profile individual could have been involved with someone like Maxwell, especially given the context of Epstein’s crimes.

The situation has sparked discussions about the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership roles, particularly in large-scale events like the Olympics. As the 2028 Games approach, the focus remains on ensuring that the organizing committee maintains the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.