New documents from the US Department of Justice and a CNN investigation bring to light evidence of Jeffrey Epstein’s connections with individuals operating in the international modeling industry. According to the evidence presented, agency executives, scouts, and industry intermediaries allegedly maintained frequent communication with Epstein, promoting young women who sought to pursue modeling careers.
Read: “Epstein Code”: The secret White House meeting to manage the scandal
As revealed in the files, communication primarily occurred through electronic messages containing information and referrals for prospective models. In certain cases, according to the report, there were references to particularly young women, while some messages mentioned minors or barely legal girls.
The investigation suggests that Epstein leveraged his modeling industry network to gain access to young women, offering financial support, professional connections, and other conveniences.
The new evidence adds to years-long investigations surrounding Epstein’s activities and his connections with individuals from various professional and social spheres.
In one characteristic email, a recruiter allegedly stated they “could prepare a list of girls,” while others described young women as “ready to travel” or suitable for modeling careers. “It’s a gift I had planned to offer you,” wrote one recruiter about a young girl. According to the documents, this practice was not isolated.
The same documents show that Epstein had developed a global network of contacts with recruiters outside the US, whom he often paid directly for finding models. Some transactions recorded amounts characterized as “gifts” or scouting fees.
Among the individuals mentioned is Daniel Siad, a Paris-based recruiter who allegedly received tens of thousands of dollars and sent photographs of young women to Epstein, as well as organized meetings and video calls.
Siad denied knowing about any abuse, telling CNN he considered Epstein a “professional” and realized the situation’s seriousness much later.
New testimonies about MC2’s role in Jeffrey Epstein’s activities
According to documents, around 2005 Jeffrey Epstein provided funding to French agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who subsequently founded MC2 Model Management. Brunel had previously faced allegations of model abuse without conviction at that time.
MC2 was presented as a boutique high-fashion agency, but testimonies from former models indicate it was also used as Epstein’s access channel to young women.
Former models testified they were sent to meetings with him or worked under conditions that, they claim, didn’t involve actual modeling careers but personal service to Epstein himself.
Juliette Bryant, a former model from South Africa, told CNN that Epstein promised her a modeling career but deceived and abused her, never offering professional opportunities.
Another former model, Svetlana Pozhidaeva, reported being brought to the US with career promises but ultimately working as Epstein’s personal assistant while allegedly suffering abuse and professional freedom restrictions. According to her, companies and intermediaries continued renewing her visa despite knowing she wasn’t working as a model.
Documents also show that agency executives, including MC2, maintained contact with Epstein even after his 2008 guilty plea, sometimes discussing financial or organizational matters with him or his accountant. Meanwhile, emails record Epstein being invited to fashion events and maintaining social relationships with industry figures, strengthening his position in the industry.
Investigations continue into Epstein’s network of contacts
Following the files’ publication, authorities in various countries continue examining potential criminal responsibilities of individuals connected to Epstein’s network.
A related investigation is ongoing in Paris, while former models have testified about cases involving recruiters and agencies.
Representatives from model rights organizations argue the case highlights deeper problems in the fashion industry and demand further scrutiny of hiring and management practices for new models.
“In certain cases, the modeling industry operates as cover for exploitation,” activist Sara Ziff told CNN.
