Casey Wasserman criticized The Daily Mail on Tuesday for publishing a detailed report on allegations about his personal life, ranging from infidelity to sex with an employee at his company, in what marked his first public comments since the article was published on Aug. 1.
“Well, I think you have to look at the source,” the tycoon told CNBC Box of squeaks host Andrew Ross Sorkin during a conversation focused on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during the CNBC x Boardroom Game Plan Summit inside the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows in Santa Monica. “If The Daily Mail qualify as reporting, then I think we're all in trouble. But we live in an age where people can say whatever they want without facts, without cooperation, without sources, and that's the world we live in.”
The moment created a fair amount of tension during what was otherwise a lively discussion about the preparation, logistics, atmosphere, celebration and athleticism that will come when Los Angeles hosts the Olympics in four years. Wasserman, who is chairman and president of LA28, sat next to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba, who sits on the LA28 board of directors, and Team USA CEO Grant Hill during one of the summit’s final afternoon panel discussions.
In addressing the topic, Sorkin called it “a tough question” and said he was acknowledging “the elephant in the room.” He even noted that during the fallout from the relationship, high-profile Wasserman Music client Billie Eilish was reported to have left the company. While Wasserman didn’t address Eilish or any other impact she’s had on his business, he did say, “Wind hits tall trees.” The Daily Mail The report cites 11 sources, all anonymous, who say Wasserman was a “serial cheater” who frequently love-bombed women during their relationships.
Then, asked point-blank if he plans to keep his role as gaming guru, Wasserman revealed that his status remains unchanged. “I'm going to do my job and I'm going to do it all the way because that's a commitment I made,” he said. “I think I'm the one who's invested the most and [who is] more capable of delivering the outcome that we need for the city. As the mayor can tell you, as Jess can tell you, and as Grant can tell you, if you don't want your picture taken, you shouldn't be doing what we're all doing.”
Sorkin responded to the response by saying, “I appreciate you addressing that issue.”
More will come.
Casey Wasserman, Jessica Alba, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Grant Hill at the CNBC x Boardroom Game Plan Summit at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows in Santa Monica.
Jordan Strauss/NBC