LA 2028 Olympics Chief Casey Wasserman announces sale of his talent agency amid Epstein files fallout

WEB DESK: Casey Wasserman, chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee (LA28), has announced plans to sell his eponymous talent and marketing agency, Wasserman Group, following controversy over his past associations revealed in recently released documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein.

In an internal memo sent to the company’s roughly 4,000 employees late on Friday, Wasserman expressed deep regret over the impact of his “past personal mistakes” and stated that he had become a “distraction” to the firm’s operations. He confirmed that the sale process is already under way, while emphasising his commitment to remain focused on delivering a successful 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“I am deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort,” Wasserman wrote in the memo, as reported by major US outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. “It is not fair to you, and it is not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about.”

Wasserman, 51, founded the Wasserman Group over two decades ago. The agency represents high-profile figures across sports, music, and entertainment, and carries his family legacy his grandfather, Lew Wasserman, was a legendary Hollywood executive.

Fallout from Epstein Documents Spurs Sale

The decision comes amid mounting backlash after Wasserman’s name surfaced in US Justice Department files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Documents released last month included flirtatious email exchanges from 2003 between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.

In one reported email from April 2003, Wasserman told Maxwell, “I miss you,” before appearing to enquire about a massage. Wasserman has apologised for the communications, noting they occurred before Maxwell’s crimes became public knowledge. He has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein scandal.

The revelations prompted client departures from the agency, including Grammy-winning singer Chappell Roan, who cited a need for “accountability” and her “duty to protect her team.” Other artists and athletes have also distanced themselves, and some Los Angeles city officials have called for Wasserman to step down from his LA28 role.

However, following an internal review, the LA28 executive committee affirmed this week that Wasserman should continue leading the Olympic preparations. In his memo, he indicated that long-time executive Mike Watts would take over day-to-day management of the agency during the transition, allowing Wasserman to devote his full attention to the Games.

“At this moment, I believe that I have become a distraction to those efforts,” Wasserman stated regarding his business involvement. “That is why I have begun the process of selling the company… while I devote my full attention to delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028 that is worthy of this outstanding city.”

This controversy underscores the ongoing repercussions from the Epstein files, even as Wasserman maintains his role with the Olympics organisation. No specific buyers or timeline for the sale have been disclosed, and the agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment.