Newsom Taps Dem Megadonor Linked To Epstein To Lead L.A. Fire Recovery Initiative

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that an entertainment and sports executive with ties to child sex predator Jeffrey Epstein will help lead a fire recovery initiative in Los Angeles County.

Casey Wasserman, along with Lakers legend Magic Johnson and Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter, were tapped by Newsom to lead the new private sector philanthropic group LA Rises, The Los Angeles Times reported. The philanthropic group will focus on working with business leaders and state and local officials to rebuild areas devastated by the fires that broke out earlier this month.

Newsom and other Democratic leaders in California have been criticized for their response to the fires that have damaged or destroyed thousands of homes and businesses and killed nearly 30 people in Los Angeles County. Wasserman, also the 2028 L.A. Olympic chairman, said LA Rises will play an important role in the restoration for decades to come.

“The private sector has to come together, both operationally and philanthropically, as part of the rebuild and in many ways, the rebirth of L.A.,” he said. “This process and this journey we’re about to start with LA Rises is not about the next month or the next year. This is about what L.A. is going to be like for the next 50 or 100 years.”

Newsom posted a video with Wasserman on Tuesday that showed Wasserman thanking the governor for his “leadership.”

Today, @LA28 President Casey Wasserman & I are proud to announce LA Rises, a private-sector recovery initiative also led by @Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter & @MagicJohnson.

As we respond to these devastating fires, LA will rise again — stronger, more united & resilient than ever. pic.twitter.com/9gKdbOEl79

— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 29, 2025

In 2003, Wasserman accompanied Epstein on his Boeing 727 for a mission to look into the AIDS issue in Africa, according to Vanity Fair. He was pictured with Epstein and convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell in front of Epstein’s private jet, nicknamed the “Lolita Express.” Wasserman was also accused of having multiple affairs with women on his staff while he was married to Laura Ziffren. He allegedly sent women lavish gifts, including vehicles and designer items, before unexpectedly dumping them.

“When he dumped me I was in shock and disbelief that he could go from 100 to zero in just hours,” one woman told The Daily Mail last year. “I truly think he underestimates the pain and long-term damage he causes women like me who believed him.”

Wasserman is accused of pursuing romantic relationships with his former secretary and two of his former flight attendants. Ziffren filed for divorce in 2021.

The entertainment and sports executive also has ties to powerful California Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff. Wasserman’s firm represents athletes, actors, and music artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran, Brad Pitt, Russell Crowe, and Giancarlo Stanton.