Faith Cates, who co-founded Next Models, has recently stepped back from the agency she helped establish in 1989. This decision followed the resurfacing of friendly communications with Jeffrey Epstein.
In a somewhat informal email dated November 24, she stated, “It has been 36 years since I started my next career by chance, and I decided it was the right time to step back from the job I loved and retire.” Cates referenced her long battle with cancer and expressed her desire to return to the field to make a positive impact.
“The foundation I have been working with for the past few years is at a critical juncture, and with the help of AI and the excellent doctors I have worked with, we will be able to diagnose gynecological conditions faster and save many lives,” she added. She concluded by wishing Next success from this new position on the sidelines.
However, some sources suggest that her departure was not entirely voluntary. An insider mentioned that she was actually dismissed, claiming her retirement narrative coincided suspiciously with newfound attention on her connections to Epstein. Another source noted that the framing of her retirement was solely her initiative.
The agency did not provide any comments on the situation.
Cates’ association with Epstein, which included friendly exchanges, raises eyebrows. Emails from 2017 show Epstein discussing Thanksgiving plans and mentioning acquaintances, including Honeycomb hedge fund founder David Fizell and even mentioning “Trump.”
Cates was reportedly proactive in contacting Epstein, expressing that he “wanted to see me all the time” and questioning when he would return to New York.
While Epstein was seen around the Next office in the past, he appeared unremarkable to most, as one source noted, “he just looked like an old man. No one knew him.”
As of now, Cates has not responded to requests for comments.
