Jeffrey Epstein's Hollywood Connections Revealed

New DOJ documents shed light on the sex trafficker's ties to A-list talent, entertainment moguls, and industry fixers

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The latest tranche of Department of Justice files has provided a deeper look into sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein's connections within the Hollywood entertainment industry. His contacts ranged from A-list talent to entertainment moguls to some of the industry's top crisis PR specialists, with the documents revealing suggestive, incomplete details about these relationships and individuals' contemporaneous knowledge of Epstein's wrongdoing.

Why it matters

Epstein's ability to move in elite Hollywood circles, despite his criminal history, raises questions about the industry's willingness to overlook misconduct among the powerful and well-connected. The revelations also highlight how Epstein leveraged his wealth and influence to maintain relationships with high-profile figures, even after his conviction as a sex offender.

The details

The DOJ documents show Epstein's interactions with a range of Hollywood figures, including director Woody Allen and his wife Soon-Yi Previn, publicist Peggy Siegal, producer Barry Josephson, agent Michael Ovitz, comedian Chelsea Handler, media mogul Casey Wasserman, comedian Chris Tucker, and crisis PR specialist Matthew Hiltzik. While none are alleged to have been part of Epstein's criminal enterprise, the documents suggest these individuals were aware of his wrongdoing to varying degrees.

  • In 2009, Epstein emailed British government official Peter Mandelson about endorsement opportunities for Leonardo DiCaprio.
  • In 2015, a redacted correspondent wrote to Epstein, 'Jared Leto did very well ;)'

The players

Woody Allen

Filmmaker who, along with his wife Soon-Yi Previn, grew close to Epstein, sharing meals and grievances over their embattled public personas.

Soon-Yi Previn

Woody Allen's wife, who also grew close to Epstein and communicated with him about their daughter and actor Timothée Chalamet.

Peggy Siegal

Well-connected New York-based film publicist who worked to usher Epstein back into elite social circles following his release from prison in 2009.

Barry Josephson

Veteran producer who maintained a long, close, symbiotic relationship with Epstein, including assistance with personal loans and help with auditions for young women.

Michael Ovitz

Onetime superagent who was acquainted with Epstein and exchanged complimentary emails with him.

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What they’re saying

“Woody said when Bechet sets fire to the school they'll have you to thank.”

— Soon-Yi Previn

“I'm glad that prick Chalamet's movie did not get a good review. No I'm not vindictive. :-)”

— Soon-Yi Previn

“A baby Mama…if I wasn't 102 I would take that job in a nano second.”

— Peggy Siegal, Film Publicist

“Fuck that book! You ok?”

— Barry Josephson, Producer

“I think of you all the time… So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?”

— Casey Wasserman, Media Mogul

The takeaway

Epstein's ability to maintain connections with high-profile figures in Hollywood, even after his conviction as a sex offender, underscores the industry's willingness to overlook misconduct among the powerful and well-connected. The revelations raise troubling questions about the ethical standards and accountability within the entertainment industry.