Justice Department Documents Escalate Pressure

MILAN — U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) CEO Sarah Hirshland has spoken for the first time after the emergence of Justice Department documents showing sensitive emails between Casey Wasserman, Chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28) organizing committee, and Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein.

The released documents reveal sensitive email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell in the past. Wasserman has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing in any case.

However, this revelation has intensified pressure on the LA28 organizing committee. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called for Wasserman to consider resigning. Last week, following an internal review, the LA28 board announced its continued support for Wasserman to retain his leadership position.

US Olympic Leadership Emphasizes "Very High Standards of Conduct"

Speaking from Milan on Friday, Hirshland emphasized the organization's priority of maintaining a culture of safety and trust:

"We have worked for many years to build an environment based on the right values and very high standards of conduct. Respect is at the core of it."

She also stated that the decision regarding Wasserman's future rests with the LA28 board, of which she is a member.

Wasserman Seeks to Distance Himself from Controversy

Wasserman has sought to distance himself from the scandal. In a statement prior to his trip for the Winter Olympics, he said the emails were sent "before Maxwell's horrific crimes were brought to light."

Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking and the abuse of underage individuals.

Impact on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games

LA28 is a major sporting event expected to draw global attention. Observers suggest that any controversy involving the organizing committee's leadership could affect the image and preparations for the Games.

Currently, the LA28 board maintains its stance in support of Wasserman, while the public continues to closely monitor new developments in the case.