Documents recently made public by the Department of Justice have revealed social connections between several high-profile individuals and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender.
The records indicate that in early 2016, television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz and his wife extended a digital invitation to Epstein for a Valentine’s Day celebration at their Florida residence. The invitation was sent via an online service, specifying the address of the couple’s multi-million dollar home. At the time of the invitation, Epstein was a registered sex offender, having previously served a prison sentence related to soliciting a minor.
The extensive document release, comprising millions of pages from Epstein’s estate, also shows frequent mentions of former President Donald Trump. Additionally, current Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is identified as having maintained contact with Epstein.
During a recent Senate hearing, Lutnick addressed these connections, stating his interactions with Epstein were minimal over a 14-year period, amounting to what he estimated as roughly ten emails. He acknowledged, however, visiting Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean for approximately one hour in 2012 during a family vacation, accompanied by his wife, children, and nannies. Lutnick emphasized that he did not maintain a substantive relationship with Epstein.
The revelations have prompted public scrutiny regarding the associations between powerful figures and the convicted criminal.