LA28 chief confirms major exit as email controversy deepens
Casey Wasserman has announced the sale of his eponymous talent agency following the release of controversial emails involving Ghislaine Maxwell, though he will retain his position as chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The decision comes days after government files revealed flirtatious correspondence between the executive and the disgraced British socialite.
These exchanges, dating back to 2003, have placed the entertainment mogul under intense scrutiny.
A distraction to the work
In a memo sent to staff on Friday, the 50-year-old acknowledged that his continued ownership had become detrimental to the firm.
Control of the business will temporarily pass to Mike Watts while a buyer is sought.
“During this time, Mike Watts will assume day-to-day control of the business while I devote my full attention to delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028 that is worthy of this outstanding city.”
The recently surfaced documents included a message where the businessman asked Maxwell about seeing her in a “tight leather outfit”.
Maxwell was later convicted of helping Jeffrey Epstein recruit and sexually abuse victims.
Olympic role unaffected
Despite the turmoil surrounding his private business, the Californian’s role with the upcoming Summer Games appears secure.
The LA28 board’s executive committee convened specifically to discuss the matter.
Following an external legal review, the committee cleared the chairman to continue his work.
“We found Mr. Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented.”
The statement urged him to focus on delivering a “safe and successful” tournament.
High-profile departures
The move to sell the agency follows a wave of exits from its client roster.
Rapidly rising pop star Chappell Roan has reportedly severed ties with the representation giant.
Former US women’s national team captain Abby Wambach has also departed in the wake of the revelations.
The agency founder expressed deep remorse regarding the impact of his past interactions on his current employees.
“I’m heartbroken that my brief contact with them 23 years ago has caused you, this company, and its clients so much hardship over the past days and weeks.”