Hollywood Publicist Peggy Siegal Reveals Epstein Relationship Details

Siegal details gifts, favors and access exchanged with the disgraced financier in a candid interview.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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In a revealing interview with New York magazine, legendary Hollywood publicist Peggy Siegal has shared details of her 12-year relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Siegal, whose career was derailed after she was named as one of Epstein's 'social guarantors', described the quid pro quo that developed between them as Epstein sought access to the entertainment industry's elite and Siegal enjoyed the spoils of his wealth. The interview and released emails paint a picture of their cozy and affectionate relationship, with Epstein showering Siegal with gifts and access in exchange for her help in gaining a foothold in Hollywood circles.

Why it matters

Siegal's revelations shed light on the complex web of relationships and exchanges of influence that existed between Epstein and members of the entertainment industry. Her account highlights how Epstein leveraged his wealth and connections to gain access to powerful social circles, while also revealing the professional and personal benefits Siegal derived from her association with him.

The details

Siegal, 78, told New York magazine that Epstein sent her a Cartier clock as a gift and then called her, speaking to her as if they were old friends. Epstein made it clear he had wealth, properties and a private jet, and asked Siegal if she had ever been married, which she saw as an attempt to find a 'weakness' in her. Siegal initially claimed she was unaware of Epstein's crimes, but later acknowledged accepting funds from him for travel, with the two remaining in regular contact until three months before Epstein's arrest. Siegal also revealed that Epstein asked her to help plan a dinner party for Prince Andrew, with the goal of having Woody Allen and his partner Soon-Yi Previn attend.

  • Siegal and Epstein remained in regular contact from April 2009 until April 2019.
  • Epstein was arrested on federal sex-trafficking charges three months after Siegal's last contact with him.

The players

Peggy Siegal

A legendary Hollywood publicist whose career was derailed after she was named as one of Jeffrey Epstein's 'social guarantors'.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier who sought to gain access to the entertainment industry's elite through his relationship with Peggy Siegal.

Prince Andrew

A member of the British royal family whom Epstein asked Siegal to help plan a dinner party for.

Woody Allen

A filmmaker whom Epstein wanted Siegal to invite to the dinner party he was planning for Prince Andrew.

Soon-Yi Previn

Woody Allen's partner, whom Epstein also wanted Siegal to invite to the dinner party.

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What they’re saying

“Jeffrey Epstein was … I don't want to use the word 'infatuated.' Jeffrey Epstein actually knew exactly who I was.”

— Peggy Siegal (New York magazine)

“I totally jeopardized my relationship with all these important people — they did not know who he was. All of Jeffrey's illegal, immoral behavior was in Palm Beach, and he went to jail in Palm Beach, and the New York Times never wrote about him.”

— Peggy Siegal (New York magazine)

“Why does Peggy Siegal, who is 78 years old, who did nothing her entire life but work as a single woman and make a success as a result, have to suffer so badly for this story, when heads of state and royalty and presidents have done far worse than I have?”

— Peggy Siegal (New York magazine)

The takeaway

Siegal's revelations highlight the complex and often troubling relationships between powerful individuals in the entertainment industry and those, like Epstein, who sought to leverage wealth and influence to gain access to elite social circles. Her account raises questions about the ethical boundaries of such relationships and the consequences faced by those who become entangled with figures like Epstein.