Epstein’s Correspondence Reveals Ties to Prominent Lawyer

Recently unsealed documents shed light on the ongoing relationship between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Brad Karp, the chairman of the influential New York law firm, Paul Weiss.

The troubling email and text exchanges form part of nearly three million documents released by the Justice Department, illustrating Epstein’s attempts to forge connections with powerful legal figures on Wall Street.

In April 2019, just three months prior to his arrest on federal child sex trafficking charges, Epstein enlisted former White House advisor Steve Bannon to help him invite Karp to Georgia’s prestigious Augusta Golf Club. Reports from The Financial Times surfaced on Sunday regarding this revelation.

Epstein texted a contact—whose name was redacted—saying, “It’s going to take some magic to get Brad Karp into Augusta Golf Club.” Bannon is believed to have been the recipient of this text.

“Paul Weiss Blood Carp’s head?” Bannon replied.

Epstein responded affirmatively, followed by a crude joke about Karp.

It’s uncertain whether Karp was aware of Bannon’s involvement or if he sought help to join the club, known for including high-profile members like Warren Buffett. The documents also indicated that Epstein hosted Karp at several exclusive gatherings.

In 2014, Karp arranged for his children to attend a small Woody Allen film screening in New York, reportedly facilitated by Epstein’s assistant. It’s unclear if they actually went.

An email from the following year mentioned a 2015 dinner between Karp and Allen. Karp expressed his gratitude the day after: “I can’t thank you enough for inviting me to a night I’ll never forget. It truly was a ‘once in a lifetime’ event in every sense of the word. But I’d love to be invited back again.” Epstein replied, “There are many nights with unique talent, and you will be invited often.”

Karp has chaired Paul Weiss since 2008. Justice Department files also detail plans for Karp’s son to attend additional Woody Allen screenings in 2016 and 2018.

In October 2018, Epstein reached out for Karp’s assistance regarding a fee dispute with Apollo co-founder Leon Black, emailing, “Would you please discuss my fees? I’ll leave it to you to figure it out. Thank you.” Karp replied that he raised the issue but made no progress, stating he would attempt to address it differently.

Epstein followed up the next day, but Karp indicated he had dismissed Black’s concerns. There were also correspondences in February 2019 about New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who was implicated in a prostitution investigation in Florida.

Epstein wrote, “If your friend Mr. Kraft needs a local Palm representative, please let me know,” to which Karp responded, “I’m sure he needs the best.” Later, Karp asked Epstein about the best lawyer for immediate help, to which Epstein replied that discussions were already happening.

Both Kraft and another individual involved had pleaded not guilty, with the charges eventually dropped. Black resigned as CEO of Apollo in 2021 amid scrutiny involving Epstein.

A spokesperson for Paul Weiss clarified that while the firm was hired by Black to resolve fee disputes with Epstein, Karp and the firm never represented Epstein directly.

The documents also hint at potential meetings between Epstein, Karp, and Kathy Ruemmler, presently general counsel at Goldman Sachs, though it’s unclear if these occurred. Epstein reportedly gifted Ruemmler extravagant items, including spa treatments and luxury bags.

Ruemmler, who transitioned from the White House to Goldman Sachs, mentioned in January 2019, “I totally got fooled by Uncle Jeffrey today!”

A Goldman Sachs representative commented that, as is typical in the industry, Epstein frequently offered unsolicited gifts to various associates.

Other notable figures appearing in the newly released documents include former British ambassador Peter Mandelson, Prince Andrew, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and Giants owner Steve Tisch.

Epstein took his own life in a New York City jail in August 2019, facing serious federal charges related to sex trafficking minors.