Epstein Files Unleash Global Fallout with Uneven Impact Across Atlantic
More than two weeks after the U.S. Justice Department unsealed a massive trove of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein, the repercussions continue to reverberate worldwide, though with starkly different intensities on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. This latest disclosure, comprising a staggering cache of over three million emails, memos, and images, meticulously outlines years of correspondence connecting the disgraced financier to a glittering array of billionaires, political power brokers, and global influencers.
Divergent Responses: Europe's Swift Action vs. America's Muted Reaction
In Europe, the fallout has been immediate and severe, marked by a wave of resignations, launched inquiries, and tarnished reputations. Conversely, in the United States, the reckoning has been far more subdued, with only a handful of prominent figures stepping aside. Among them is Kathy Ruemmler, a former Obama White House official, who resigned following renewed scrutiny of her past connections to Epstein. However, compared to the political tremors overseas, Washington's ground has barely shifted, with many individuals under investigation or maintaining silence, as reported by The Washington Post.
High-Profile Figures Facing Professional Consequences
What follows is an in-depth look at the notable names confronting professional fallout or at least uncomfortable questions in the wake of these latest Epstein disclosures.
Peter Attia: Physician Steps Down Amid Crude Exchanges
Physician and longevity expert Peter Attia faced intense scrutiny after documents revealed friendly and sometimes crude exchanges with Epstein. In one 2016 message, Attia wrote to Epstein, "P---y is, indeed, low-carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though." In June 2015, he noted, "You [know] the biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can’t tell a soul …" Following the public release of these emails, Attia resigned as chief science officer of the protein bar brand David Protein, according to the company's co-founder. Attia apologized for his interactions, stating on X that he was never involved in criminal activity and that his exchanges had nothing to do with Epstein's sexual abuse or exploitation.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem: Emirati Businessman Resigns from DP World
Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem resigned immediately as chairman of DP World, one of the world's largest logistics companies, on February 13. The resignation statement did not explicitly mention Epstein, but it followed pressure from financial groups after emails surfaced. In a 2013 exchange, Epstein told bin Sulayem, "You are one of my most trusted friends in [the] very sense of the word, you have never let me down." Bin Sulayem replied, "Thank you my friend I am off the sample a fresh 100% female Russian at my yacht."
Sarah Ferguson: Charity Shuts Down Amid Epstein Links
Sarah's Trust, a charity founded by former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, closed for the "foreseeable future" after the document release. The trust stated, "Our chair Sarah Ferguson and the board of trustees have agreed that with regret the charity will shortly close for the foreseeable future. This has been under discussion and in train for some months." Other charities also dropped Ferguson as a patron. Emails showed she maintained contact with Epstein long after his 2008 conviction.
Thorbjorn Jagland: Former Official Charged with Corruption
Thorbjorn Jagland, a former secretary general of the Council of Europe and former prime minister of Norway, was charged with "aggravated corruption" in connection with his Epstein ties, as confirmed by his legal representative. The charges came after the Council of Europe waived his immunity at the request of Norwegian police. The files revealed Jagland was among several European officials who corresponded with Epstein.
Mona Juul: Diplomat Resigns Amid Corruption Probe
Norwegian diplomat Mona Juul resigned as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, and she and her husband, former diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen, faced a corruption investigation after reports indicated Epstein left them millions in his will.
Brad Karp: Law Firm Chairman Resigns Over Extensive Relationship
Brad Karp resigned as longtime chairman of law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison after emails detailing an extensive relationship with Epstein became public. A 2015 exchange showed Karp thanking Epstein for a "once in a lifetime" evening, with Epstein responding, "there are many many nights of unique talents. you will be invited often."
Miroslav Lajcak: Slovak Official Resigns Over Jokes About Women
Miroslav Lajcák, a former president of the UN General Assembly, resigned as national security adviser to Slovakia's prime minister due to his communications with Epstein. Documents from 2018, while he served as foreign minister, showed he and Epstein shared jokes about women and discussed a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Jack Lang: French Figure Investigated for Tax Fraud
Former French cultural minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline faced an investigation involving "laundering of aggravated tax-fraud proceeds," as confirmed by French financial crimes prosecutors. This followed a Mediapart report outlining Lang's close ties to Epstein. Lang also resigned from leading the Arab World Institute after being summoned by the French Foreign Ministry. He stated on X, "The opening of a preliminary investigation by the National Financial Prosecutor's Office is news that I welcome with calmness and even relief. It will shed light on accusations that attack my integrity and my honor. The accusations against me are baseless, and I will prove this beyond the sound and fury of the media and digital courts."
Peter Mandelson: Former Ambassador Resigns Amid Scrutiny
Peter Mandelson, a former British ambassador to the United States, resigned from the Labour Party in early February and subsequently from the House of Lords amid renewed scrutiny of his Epstein connection. On February 6, British police searched properties linked to Mandelson as part of a misconduct investigation. This followed a Financial Times report on Justice Department documents showing Epstein made payments totaling about $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson in the early 2000s.
Morgan McSweeney: Chief of Staff Resigns Over Appointment Controversy
Morgan McSweeney resigned as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff amid criticism over the appointment of Mandelson as ambassador to the United States in December 2024, despite knowledge of his Epstein relationship.
George J Mitchell: Former Senator Resigns from Institute
George J Mitchell, a former U.S. senator and envoy to Northern Ireland, was mentioned over 300 times in the latest documents. He resigned as honorary chairman of his namesake institute in early February.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: Arrest Following Photo Release
The new batch included photographs appearing to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, crouched over a woman on the floor. He was arrested on Thursday, though the documents contained no allegations of criminal activity by the former prince, who has long denied wrongdoing.
David A Ross: Art Educator Resigns Over Friendship
David A Ross resigned as chair of the master's degree programme in art practice at the School of Visual Arts in New York after revelations about his friendship with Epstein. Their email exchanges included a 2009 thread where Ross appeared to support Epstein's idea for an art exhibition entitled "Statutory" featuring images of "girls and boys ages 14 – 25, where they look nothing like their true ages."
Kathy Ruemmler: Goldman Sachs Legal Chief Resigns
Kathy Ruemmler, an Obama White House lawyer, resigned as chief legal officer and general counsel of Goldman Sachs after months of reports about her friendly exchanges with Epstein. She stated, "My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs' interests first. Earlier today, I regretfully informed David Solomon of my intention to step down as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Goldman Sachs as of June 30, 2026."
Joanna Rubinstein: UN Fundraiser Resigns After Island Visit
Joanna Rubinstein, chair of Sweden for UNHCR, resigned after documents revealed she visited Epstein on his private island in 2012. A communications director wrote, "Joanna Rubinstein did indeed step down from her role on February 1st following media attention concerning events that took place long before she joined the Board of Sweden for UNHCR, and of which the organisation had no prior knowledge." Rubinstein told Expressen she was aware of Epstein's 2008 conviction at the time of the visit, adding, "What has subsequently emerged about the extent of the abuse is appalling and something I strongly distance myself from."
Steve Tisch: NFL to Review Communications
The National Football League said it would review communications between Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants, and Epstein. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, "We are going to look at all the facts, we are going to look at the context of those, we are going to try to understand that," but stopped short of a formal investigation or disciplinary action under the league's personal conduct policy.
Casey Wasserman: Talent Agency Sale Amid Maxwell Correspondence
Casey Wasserman is selling his talent agency after flirtatious correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell appeared in the latest files, according to a memo obtained by the Associated Press. An email showed Wasserman expressing a desire to see Maxwell in a "tight leather outfit." Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for trafficking girls and is serving a 20-year sentence. The emails, from 2003, did not directly link Wasserman to Epstein.
