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Mellody Hobson Steps Down From LA28 Olympics Board
Confirmed
In Short: Mellody Hobson, a member of the LA28 Olympics board, has resigned due to the demands of her role at the newly opened Lucas Museum.
Mellody Hobson, an investor and co-founder of the Lucas Museum, has stepped down from the LA28 board of directors, according to LA28. The decision comes amid pressure from local activists who sought to meet with Hobson to discuss their concerns about the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics.
The Fair Games Coalition, a group of labor and community organizations, had been pushing for meetings with Hobson to address issues such as housing and workers' needs, particularly in South Los Angeles where the Lucas Museum is located.
Rev. Gary Williams, a member of the Fair Games Coalition and Senior Pastor of St. Mark United Methodist Church, expressed disappointment in Hobson's decision. He stated, 'Mellody Hobson could have used her influence on the LA28 Board to stand with our communities, support living wages, and defend immigrant workers. Instead, she chose the easy way out. That is deeply disappointing.
Hobson cited the demands of her role at the newly opened Lucas Museum as the reason for her resignation. In an email reviewed by LAist, Hobson said, 'The demands of steering the newly opened Lucas Museum are too great to continue serving on the LA28 Board.
The 35-person LA28 board is led by Casey Wasserman, who previously had to give up his stake in his management company after revelations from the Epstein files.
The coalition's disappointment underscores the ongoing tensions between the Olympics organizers and local communities, highlighting the challenges of balancing large-scale events with local needs and concerns.
What's confirmed
- Mellody Hobson, investor and Lucas Museum cofounder, has stepped down from the LA28 board of directors, LA28 confirmed to LAist Wednesday.
What's still developing
- Williams, a member of a coalition of labor and community groups called the Fair Games Coalition, said he saw Hobson as the group’s best shot at influencing the LA28 Board, which includes a number of allies of President Donald Trump as well as some city appointees.
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- Hobson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.