Just days before the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens to the public, Mellody Hobson has stepped down from the board of the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, LA28. The move was confirmed by sources close to the situation and comes amid ongoing attention surrounding the museum’s debut and Hobson’s recent departure.
Hobson, who is also co-CEO of Ariel Investments and a board member of Starbucks, joined the LA28 board several years ago. Her resignation was announced internally last week, according to multiple reports. The timing is notable. The Lucas Museum is scheduled to open its doors in Los Angeles on June 27, less than a week after Hobson’s departure was made public.
The Lucas Museum, founded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, has faced numerous delays and budget concerns since its initial announcement in 2014. The museum is set to feature more than 7,000 works of art related to narrative storytelling, including pieces from the Lucas family collection. The opening is expected to draw significant attention, both for its artistic content and for its location near the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Sources confirmed that Hobson’s exit from the LA28 board was not publicly linked to any specific controversy. However, the timing raises questions about her focus shifting as the museum’s opening approaches. Hobson has not publicly commented on her departure from the committee, and representatives for her did not respond to requests for comment.
LA28, the local organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics, has been preparing for the Games since its formation in 2017. The committee’s responsibilities include coordinating logistics, sponsorships, and community engagement for the event scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in three years. Hobson’s role on the board was largely seen as supporting Los Angeles' bid for the Olympics and helping secure funding and support.
Hobson’s resignation comes amid broader discussions about her commitments outside of her work with the Lucas Museum. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion, particularly in the arts and corporate sectors. Her departure from the LA28 board was described as amicable, with no indication of disagreements or disputes.
It is unclear whether her move impacts any ongoing negotiations or planning efforts for the Olympics. The Los Angeles 2028 organizing committee declined to comment on her resignation, citing confidentiality. The Lucas Museum’s opening, however, remains on schedule, with officials confirming that construction and curation are complete.
Observers note that Hobson’s exit might reflect her shifting priorities as the museum prepares to open. The institution has already seen a surge of visitors ahead of its debut, with tickets selling out for several initial exhibitions. The museum’s opening is seen as a major cultural event for Los Angeles, expected to attract tourists and art enthusiasts from around the world.
Hobson’s departure from the LA28 board also coincides with broader conversations about the role of philanthropy and leadership in major cultural and civic projects. Her involvement in both the Olympics bid and the museum reflects a pattern of engagement with Los Angeles' public image and cultural infrastructure.
While her resignation is unlikely to slow the museum’s opening or the Olympics preparations, it signals a shift in focus for Hobson as she directs her attention toward the museum’s debut. The Lucas Museum’s opening next week will serve as a milestone for her and for Los Angeles’s cultural ambitions, even as question marks remain about her absence from the Olympics planning process.
According to Variety.