Jeffrey Epstein's vast network of influential friends and acquaintances is laid bare in a trove of 3 million files released last week, shedding light on his relationships with prominent figures across the US, UK, and around the world. Among these revelations are extraordinary details about Epstein's personal life, including his extensive contact with royalty, celebrities, and high-ranking politicians.
One of the most striking stories to emerge is that of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who appears to have had a close relationship with Epstein from 2011 to 2014. The files reveal that she exchanged flirtatious messages with him, describing him as "soft hearted" and "such a sweetheart". She even told him that he was "very charming", while also expressing concern about the propriety of certain interactions.
Epstein's network also includes Deepak Chopra, the renowned holistic healer and author. The files show that Epstein took great pride in improving his spiritual health, attending intimate dinner parties at Epstein's New York residence, where Woody Allen was present. Chopra attended 12 meetings with Epstein between 2016 and 2019 for "meditation and funding meetings" for alternative science health projects.
Another high-profile figure to emerge from the files is former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who appears to have stayed in regular contact with Epstein after his conviction in 2008. The two men exchanged messages on topics ranging from geopolitics to mundane logistics, including a planned visit to New York in 2017.
The release of these files also sheds light on the personal life of Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US. Mandelson had described Epstein as his "chief life adviser", and appeared to have sent him a draft of his memoir, The Third Man: Life at the heart of New Labour in May 2010. Epstein was concerned that the book's gossipy nature would damage Mandelson's potential for dealmaking in his post-political life.
In another surprising revelation, the files reveal that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, now known as Prince Andrew, had a close relationship with Irina, a Russian woman who was described by Epstein as "clever, beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email". The royal reportedly recognised that the woman might not be a close friend but still agreed to meet her.
The files also contain a trove of information about Epstein's personal habits and rules for his staff at his Florida mansion. The so-called "household manual" includes strict requirements such as keeping air conditioning at 60F, providing guns in bedside drawers, and requiring large quantities of tissues and toothpaste.
Finally, the release of these files raises questions about whether those who knew Epstein should have acted to prevent the abuse of vulnerable individuals. While some figures, like Prince Andrew, appear to have been unaware of Epstein's activities, others seem to have known more than they let on.
As one document from a businessman named Ian Osborne reveals, Woody Allen was invited to Downing Street for a meeting with David Cameron and Rohan Silva in 2011. The files suggest that this meeting may have been facilitated by Epstein himself.
In another surprising twist, the documents reveal a close relationship between Steve Bannon, former Trump adviser, and Epstein. Bannon appeared to advise on personal grooming, including the length of his beard, while Epstein provided him with high-end gifts.
Throughout these stories, it is clear that Epstein's vast network and influence have raised many questions about his activities and those who knew about them but chose not to act.
One of the most striking stories to emerge is that of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who appears to have had a close relationship with Epstein from 2011 to 2014. The files reveal that she exchanged flirtatious messages with him, describing him as "soft hearted" and "such a sweetheart". She even told him that he was "very charming", while also expressing concern about the propriety of certain interactions.
Epstein's network also includes Deepak Chopra, the renowned holistic healer and author. The files show that Epstein took great pride in improving his spiritual health, attending intimate dinner parties at Epstein's New York residence, where Woody Allen was present. Chopra attended 12 meetings with Epstein between 2016 and 2019 for "meditation and funding meetings" for alternative science health projects.
Another high-profile figure to emerge from the files is former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who appears to have stayed in regular contact with Epstein after his conviction in 2008. The two men exchanged messages on topics ranging from geopolitics to mundane logistics, including a planned visit to New York in 2017.
The release of these files also sheds light on the personal life of Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US. Mandelson had described Epstein as his "chief life adviser", and appeared to have sent him a draft of his memoir, The Third Man: Life at the heart of New Labour in May 2010. Epstein was concerned that the book's gossipy nature would damage Mandelson's potential for dealmaking in his post-political life.
In another surprising revelation, the files reveal that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, now known as Prince Andrew, had a close relationship with Irina, a Russian woman who was described by Epstein as "clever, beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email". The royal reportedly recognised that the woman might not be a close friend but still agreed to meet her.
The files also contain a trove of information about Epstein's personal habits and rules for his staff at his Florida mansion. The so-called "household manual" includes strict requirements such as keeping air conditioning at 60F, providing guns in bedside drawers, and requiring large quantities of tissues and toothpaste.
Finally, the release of these files raises questions about whether those who knew Epstein should have acted to prevent the abuse of vulnerable individuals. While some figures, like Prince Andrew, appear to have been unaware of Epstein's activities, others seem to have known more than they let on.
As one document from a businessman named Ian Osborne reveals, Woody Allen was invited to Downing Street for a meeting with David Cameron and Rohan Silva in 2011. The files suggest that this meeting may have been facilitated by Epstein himself.
In another surprising twist, the documents reveal a close relationship between Steve Bannon, former Trump adviser, and Epstein. Bannon appeared to advise on personal grooming, including the length of his beard, while Epstein provided him with high-end gifts.
Throughout these stories, it is clear that Epstein's vast network and influence have raised many questions about his activities and those who knew about them but chose not to act.