Epstein Case Fallout Leads to High-Profile Resignations Worldwide

Politicians, diplomats, business leaders, and royals have seen reputations tarnished and jobs lost after release of Epstein-related documents.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case is spreading around the world, with politicians, diplomats, business leaders, and royals facing consequences for their ties to the convicted sex offender. A trove of more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents released by the U.S. Justice Department has revealed their relationships with Epstein, leading to resignations, investigations, and reputational damage - even for those not accused of sexual wrongdoing.

Why it matters

The Epstein scandal has rocked the global elite, exposing the extensive network of powerful individuals who maintained relationships with the disgraced financier even after he became a convicted sex offender. These revelations have shaken public trust in institutions and raised questions about accountability among the wealthy and influential.

The details

The fallout has impacted a wide range of high-profile figures, including the former Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles; Peter Mandelson, a longtime Labour party stalwart in the UK who lost his ambassador post; and Kathy Ruemmler, the chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, who is resigning after emails showed her receiving expensive gifts from Epstein. Other casualties include the chairman of logistics giant DP World, the chairman of prestigious law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, and several current and former government officials in Norway and Slovakia.

  • The U.S. Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents on January 30, 2026.
  • Kathy Ruemmler announced her resignation from Goldman Sachs on February 13, 2026, effective June 30, 2026.
  • Brad Karp resigned as chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison on February 4, 2026.
  • Miroslav Lajčák, the national security adviser to the Prime Minister of Slovakia, resigned over his past communications with Epstein.
  • Mona Juul, Norway's former ambassador to Jordan, resigned over the weekend after reports that Epstein left $10 million to her children in a will.

The players

Kathy Ruemmler

The chief legal officer at investment bank Goldman Sachs, who is resigning after the release of emails showing she received expensive gifts from Epstein and described him as an "older brother" before his arrest.

Brad Karp

The former chairman of the prestigious U.S. law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, who resigned on February 4, 2026 after the release of an email in which he thanked Epstein for hosting an "once in a lifetime" event.

Prince Andrew

The former member of the British royal family, who was stripped of his royal titles last year due to his ties to Epstein.

Peter Mandelson

A longtime Labour party stalwart in the UK who lost his ambassador post after Epstein emails showed closer ties between the two than Mandelson had initially acknowledged.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

The former chairman of the logistics giant DP World, who was replaced after emails showed his yearslong friendship with Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you my friend I am off the sample a fresh 100% female Russian at my yacht.”

— Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Former DP World Chairman

“So lovely and thoughtful! Thank you to Uncle Jeffrey!!!”

— Kathy Ruemmler, Former Goldman Sachs Chief Legal Officer

“When I'm reading the messages today, I feel like an idiot.”

— Miroslav Lajčák, Former Slovak Foreign Minister (Slovak public radio)

What’s next

The judge in the case against former Prince Andrew will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The Epstein scandal has exposed the extensive network of powerful individuals who maintained relationships with the disgraced financier, even after he became a convicted sex offender. These revelations have shaken public trust in institutions and raised questions about accountability among the wealthy and influential.