Paul Weiss Chairman Cancels Event Amid Epstein Ties

Brad Karp drops out of Wall Street Journal conference as new details emerge about his communications with the disgraced financier.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp has canceled a planned speech at a Wall Street Journal event in West Palm Beach, Florida, as new details emerge about his communications with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The latest release of Epstein-related documents by the Justice Department shows Karp had a more extensive relationship with Epstein than the law firm has previously described.

Why it matters

This development raises questions about the extent of Karp's ties to Epstein and the potential impact on his leadership of one of the country's most prominent law firms. It also comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Epstein's connections to influential figures in business and politics.

The details

The email correspondence between Karp and Epstein largely spans several years and covers a range of topics, including potential business opportunities and Epstein's philanthropic efforts. The nature and frequency of their communications suggest a closer relationship than Paul Weiss has acknowledged.

  • Karp was slated to discuss 'leadership in uncertain times' at the Wall Street Journal's Invest Live two-day conference in West Palm Beach, Florida on February 4, 2026.
  • The latest release of Epstein-related documents by the Justice Department occurred prior to Karp's planned speech.

The players

Brad Karp

Chairman of the law firm Paul Weiss.

Jeffrey Epstein

Disgraced financier with ties to influential figures in business and politics.

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What they’re saying

“The latest release of Epstein-related documents by the Justice Department shows that Karp — who was slated to discuss 'leadership in uncertain times' at the Journal's Invest Live two-day conference in West Palm Beach, Florida — had a more extensive relationship with Epstein than Paul Weiss has previously described.”

— Tatyana Monnay and Meghan Tribe, Reporters (bloomberglaw.com)

What’s next

The law firm and Karp are expected to face increased scrutiny and questions about the nature and extent of his communications with Epstein.

The takeaway

This development underscores the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the continued examination of the powerful individuals and institutions connected to the disgraced financier.