Epstein's Sordid Men's Club Excluded Women from Power

Files reveal a world where rich, powerful men networked and traded favors, while women existed on the periphery as providers of sex and services

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A deep dive into the Epstein files reveals a patriarchal world where wealthy, influential men like Jeffrey Epstein cultivated relationships with each other, while women were relegated to providing sex, organizing schedules, and arranging food - with little to no seat at the table of power.

Why it matters

The Epstein case sheds light on the systemic exclusion of women from positions of power and influence, even among the global elite. It highlights the entrenched patriarchy that persists at the highest levels of society, where women are often objectified and marginalized despite their proximity to power.

The details

The emails in the Epstein files showcase the private behavior of a male ruling class as they network, joke, and trade information. Women exist on the periphery, tolerated because they organize the men's schedules, arrange food, and provide sex. Epstein's messages to men focus on cultivating relationships and access to influential figures, while his messages to women are often crude and objectifying.

  • The emails analyzed span from 2013 to 2017.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A wealthy financier who operated a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls.

Bill Gates

Co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world's richest men, who had connections to Epstein.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's longtime associate who was convicted of sex trafficking and other charges related to Epstein's crimes.

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What they’re saying

“Take a selfie of your pussy and send.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (Emails from the Epstein files)

“You might want to see a doctor about reducing the nose a little before you turn 23.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (Emails from the Epstein files)

The takeaway

The Epstein case provides a window into the deeply entrenched patriarchy that persists at the highest levels of power, where wealthy and influential men cultivate exclusive networks while relegating women to peripheral roles as providers of sex and services. This case highlights the urgent need to address systemic gender inequalities and ensure women have equal access to positions of power and influence.