Scandal and Leadership: Challenges for LA 2028

The US Olympic & Paralympic Committee commended LA 2028's leadership amid a scandal involving its chairman, Casey Wasserman, following revelations of his email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell. Calls for Wasserman's resignation have arisen, yet USOPC expresses confidence in the Games' operational success.

The leadership of the Los Angeles 2028 Games received commendation from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee on Thursday, amidst controversy surrounding the event's chairman, Casey Wasserman. This follows the release of emails exchanged between Wasserman and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

The recently publicized emails, dating back to 2003, have sparked backlash and calls for Wasserman's resignation from local politicians, despite his apology and denial of ties to late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The USOPC Chairman, Gene Sykes, reiterated confidence in the overall leadership and operational excellence of the LA Games.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and State Senator Lena Gonzalez voiced concerns over Wasserman's role, underscoring potential distractions from the Games. Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee President, Kirsty Coventry, stated that the IOC will not intervene in internal LA 2028 Commission matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)