Fallout from Epstein Case Spreads Globally

High-profile resignations and replacements as Epstein's connections are revealed

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 seeing their reputations tarnished, investigations launched, and jobs lost after a trove of Epstein-related documents was released by the U.S. Justice Department. The documents revealed their ties to the convicted sex offender, who died in 2019.

Why it matters

The release of these documents has exposed the depth of connections between powerful individuals and the disgraced financier Epstein, leading to a reckoning across various sectors as people are forced to confront their relationships with him after he became a convicted sex offender.

The details

The documents include emails between Epstein and various high-profile figures, such as the chairman of logistics giant DP World, the chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, the chairman of the prestigious law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, and even members of the British royal family and Norwegian government. These exchanges reference topics such as pornography, sexual massages, and escorts, leading to the resignation or dismissal of several individuals.

  • The U.S. Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents on January 30, 2026.
  • Former Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles in 2025 due to the scandal.
  • Kathy Ruemmler, the chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, announced her resignation on February 13, 2026.
  • Brad Karp resigned as chairman of the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison on February 4, 2026.
  • Norwegian former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland was charged with 'aggravated corruption' on February 13, 2026.

The players

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

The former chairman of DP World, one of the world's largest logistics companies, who was replaced after emails showed his long-standing friendship with Epstein.

Kathy Ruemmler

The chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs who is resigning after the release of emails in which she described Epstein as an 'older brother' and downplayed his sex crimes.

Brad Karp

The former chairman of the prestigious law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, who resigned due to news coverage of his exchanges with Epstein.

Prince Andrew

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

Thorbjørn Jagland

The former Prime Minister of Norway who has been charged with 'aggravated corruption' in connection with the Epstein investigation.

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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 Chairman, DP World (Email to Jeffrey Epstein)

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

— Kathy Ruemmler, Former Chief Legal Officer, Goldman Sachs (Email to Jeffrey Epstein)

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

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

What’s next

The judge in the case against former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The release of these Epstein-related documents has led to a widespread reckoning, as powerful individuals across politics, business, and royalty are forced to confront their connections to the disgraced financier and the consequences of those relationships. This scandal highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability among the global elite.