Epstein Files Fallout: Executives, Lawyers, and Royals Face Consequences

The release of over 3 million pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents has led to a fresh wave of backlash for people associated with the convicted sex offender.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Justice Department's release of a massive trove of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents has triggered a new round of consequences for the late financier's associates. The files have revealed friendly communications, crude messages about women, and closer ties to Epstein than previously known for a number of high-profile individuals, including Goldman Sachs' top lawyer, a prominent corporate attorney, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, and the ex-wife of a British royal. While none have been accused of participating in Epstein's sex-trafficking scheme, the fallout has included resignations, reviews by professional organizations, and shuttered charities.

Why it matters

The continued fallout from the Epstein files underscores the far-reaching impact of the convicted sex offender's connections to the powerful and elite. Even years after his death, the release of these documents is forcing a reckoning for those who associated with Epstein, raising questions about their judgment, ethics, and potential complicity in his crimes.

The details

The latest tranche of Epstein documents has led to the resignation of Goldman Sachs' chief legal officer Kathy Ruemmler, who exchanged friendly emails with Epstein and accepted expensive gifts from him. Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp also stepped down after emails showed he worked with Epstein to surveil a woman in a dispute. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is facing calls to resign over emails revealing he planned a trip to Epstein's private island. Other consequences include the shuttering of a charity chaired by Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Britain's Prince Andrew, and the resignation of a top aide to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

  • The Justice Department released over 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents on January 30, 2026.
  • Kathy Ruemmler's last day as Goldman Sachs' chief legal officer will be June 30, 2026.
  • Brad Karp resigned as chairman of Paul Weiss in February 2026.

The players

Kathy Ruemmler

Goldman Sachs' top lawyer who resigned following scrutiny over her communications with Jeffrey Epstein, including offering him legal advice and accepting expensive gifts.

Brad Karp

The high-powered corporate lawyer who resigned as chairman of the law firm Paul Weiss after emails showed he worked with Epstein to surveil a woman in a dispute with one of Karp's clients.

Howard Lutnick

The U.S. Commerce Secretary facing bipartisan calls to resign after emails showed he planned a visit to Epstein's private island with his family in 2012.

Sarah Ferguson

The ex-wife of Britain's Prince Andrew whose charity, Sarah's Trust, shuttered following the release of the Epstein files, which included warm emails she sent to Epstein in 2009.

Morgan McSweeney

The chief of staff for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who resigned over his recommendation of Peter Mandelson for an ambassadorship, after Mandelson was found to have provided sensitive government information to Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“My wife and I decided that I will never be in the room with that disgusting person ever again.”

— Howard Lutnick, U.S. Commerce Secretary (New York Post)

“I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside.”

— Morgan McSweeney, Former Chief of Staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Statement)

“The emails were embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible.”

— Peter Attia (Social media post)

What’s next

The judge in the Mandelson case is expected to rule on whether he will face criminal charges for leaking sensitive government information to Epstein.

The takeaway

The continued fallout from the Epstein files underscores the far-reaching consequences for those who associated with the convicted sex offender, even years after his death. This reckoning is forcing a closer examination of the judgment, ethics, and potential complicity of the powerful and elite in Epstein's crimes.