What is Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday book?
Democratic politicians in the US released a 238-page scrapbook given to disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday, with contributions attributed to high-profile figures including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson.
Much of the book seems to be a collection of flattering and celebratory letters – often highly sexualised – from people who knew Epstein. They include photos of him embracing women in bikinis, and others showing scenes featuring wild animals having sex.
The book was compiled by Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is in jail for recruiting and trafficking teenage girls for sexual abuse.
What names are mentioned in the book?
There are about 150 people named in the book, from well-known public figures to those in academia and law, to lesser-known family members and friends.
A note attributed to Leslie Wexner, a billionaire former CEO of a company whose brands included Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, wrote: “I wanted to get you what you want … so here it is.” It was followed by a drawing of breasts.
One section is titled “girlfriends” and appears to include letters from former employees who became sexual partners.
In a section titled “assistants”, an unnamed woman says Epstein transformed her life, turning her into a jet-setting traveller who mixed in elite circles. The woman said she met Prince Andrew, Clinton, Trump, Naomi Campbell and Michael Jackson.
What about US presidents?
One birthday note within a sketch of a naked woman’s torso has “Donald” signed below its pelvis along with an imagined conversation between Trump and Epstein.
A cryptic message quotes Trump as saying: “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey,” wishing that “every day be another wonderful secret” and adding: “Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?” (Trump denies he authored the note)
Clinton is listed in the “friends” section. The document has a note sourced to Clinton, who appears to have written about Epstein’s “childlike curiosity”.
So where does Peter Mandelson come into all of this?
Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein had been known about, but a letter in the book attributed to Mandelson listing Epstein as “my best pal” brought a fresh spotlight on their friendship.
The now former UK ambassador to the US came under further pressure this week with the publication of his correspondence with Epstein after Epstein’s arrest for procuring a child for prostitution.
Mandelson reportedly urged Epstein to “fight for early release” and assured him that “your friends stay with you and love you”. Following the revelations, British prime minister Keir Starmer withdrew Mandelson as ambassador to the US.
Meanwhile, former US senator George Mitchell described his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a “blessing”, according to a handwritten letter.