While they are multinational and far-reaching affairs, the Epstein files hits close to home as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic games. The surface of new names from recently released Epstein files directly conflict with LA’s reputation on the global level.
Many prominent figures appear in the files, including Casey Wasserman, chairman of the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games. His involvement with Epstein’s conspirator and former girlfriend Ghislain Maxwell has led to a demand that Wasserman step down from his position.
“The recent Superbowl halftime show acclaimed more public discourse than the Epstein Files,” said senior MUN student Theodora Tuitupou. “Why is the public not more angry? Is the public so uneducated that they are not able to grasp the gravity of the situation?”
The released Epstein files do not specify the degree to which the people were linked to Epstein, an effort by the Department of Justice that Rep. Ro Khanna believes is “purposefully muddying the waters on who was a predator and who was mentioned in an email.” Nonetheless, a possible romantic relationship between Wasserman and Maxwell has come to light after 23-year-old email conversations between them have been released to the public.
“It’s concerning that the department in charge of uplifting justice in the country holds such a murky position in releasing the files,” said Tuitupou. “There should be a clear national stance against sexual abuse, assault, and misconduct.”
Years before Maxwell was convicted of any wrongdoing in 2003, Wasserman wrote to Maxwell, “I think of you all the time.” Emails released by the Justice Department also show Wasserman expressing interest in seeing Maxwell wear a “tight leather outfit.” Maxwell is currently serving out a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking and conspiracy in connection with Jeffrey Epstein.
“Although the email exchanges between [Epstein]and Maxwell are not enough to implicate him of sexual misconduct, the mere inclusion of him being in the Files is enough to slow down the LA Olympic building process,” Tuitupou said.
On Feb. 16, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called for Wasserman’s removal, an announcement that came two weeks after Bass said that the decision was not hers to make. Prior to this statement, Bass claimed it was up to the board of LA28, the nonprofit organization responsible for organizing the Games. The LA28 board pointed out that Epstein was not mentioned in the emails between Maxwell and Wasserman. Likewise, there was no evidence of underaged girls, parties or Epstein’s private island.
“We found Mr. Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented,” the LA28 board recently said in a statement.
According to experts and NBC Los Angeles, Wasserman’s departure from LA28 would jeopardize the financial health of the Olympics, particularly since Wasserman currently serves as the lynchpin for sponsors and donors. Still, three Los Angeles City Council members and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn call on Wasserman to resign.
“If his email exchanges with Maxwell truly bear no weight against his character, then it boils down to how his reputation is hurting his ability to lead the Olympic task,” said Tuitupou. “That’s enough for him to step down.”
The gradual release of the Epstein files amplifies concern about accountability of those in power, transparency, and justice. Several members of Congress who have viewed unredacted versions of the Epstein documents highlight that rather than upholding its duty to deliver justice, the Justice Department appears to be insulating high-profile individuals from scrutiny.
“There needs to be more congressional oversight hearings held by the House Judiciary Committee,” said Tuitupou. “The DOJ should be under fire more by Congress and the public, and there needs to be more media coverage on the Files and its content.”
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