Full Breakdown
Brad Karp's Correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein: A Revealing Connection
2/2/2026, 10:56:28 AM
Overview of the Relationship
Newly released documents from the Department of Justice have unveiled a complex relationship between Brad Karp, the chairman of the prestigious New York law firm Paul Weiss, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The correspondence, part of a larger release of approximately 3 million documents, highlights Karp's interactions with Epstein over several years, including social invitations and professional requests.
Key Events and Correspondence
The documents reveal that in April 2019, just months before Epstein's arrest on federal child sex trafficking charges, Epstein sought assistance from former White House strategist Steve Bannon to gain Karp entry into the exclusive Augusta Golf Club in Georgia. Epstein texted Bannon, “Need to work magic to get Brad Karp admitted to Augusta Golf Club,” indicating a desire to leverage his connections with influential figures.
Karp's interactions with Epstein included arranging for his children to attend events hosted by Epstein, such as a Woody Allen film screening in 2014. In a July 2015 email, Karp expressed gratitude to Epstein for a memorable evening, stating, “I can’t thank you enough for including me in an evening I’ll never forget.” Epstein responded, “You’re amazing… and thank you!” This exchange exemplifies the personal nature of their relationship.
In addition to social engagements, Karp was involved in professional matters related to Epstein. In October 2018, Epstein requested Karp's help in resolving a fee dispute with Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management. Karp's response indicated ongoing communication regarding Epstein's financial dealings, although he maintained that he was unable to make progress in discussions with Black.
Connections to Other Figures
The documents also reference Karp's son, David Karp, who corresponded with Epstein in 2016 regarding opportunities in the film industry. Epstein facilitated introductions for David to meet with Woody Allen, showcasing the extent of Epstein's influence and connections within Hollywood. David expressed appreciation for Epstein's assistance, stating, “Thank you again for setting this up, it means a lot to me that you've taken such an interest in helping my film career.”
Additionally, Kathy Ruemmler, now general counsel at Goldman Sachs, was noted to have received gifts from Epstein, further illustrating the breadth of Epstein's connections with prominent individuals across various sectors.
Official Statements and Responses
Paul Weiss has publicly distanced itself from Epstein, asserting that the firm was retained by Leon Black to negotiate fee disputes and was never in a position of representing Epstein. A spokesperson for Paul Weiss stated, “The firm was adverse to Epstein and at no point did Paul Weiss or Brad Karp ever represent him.”
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the firm’s efforts to clarify its relationship with Epstein, Karp and Paul Weiss have faced scrutiny. Critics have raised concerns about the ethical implications of Karp's interactions with Epstein, particularly given Epstein's criminal history. The release of these documents has intensified discussions about the accountability of legal professionals in their associations with individuals like Epstein.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the documents provide extensive details about Karp's relationship with Epstein, there remains ambiguity regarding the nature of Karp's involvement in Epstein's legal matters and the extent of his awareness of Epstein's criminal activities. The timeline of David Karp's interactions with Epstein also raises questions about the influence of Epstein on young professionals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can’t thank you enough for including me in an evening I’ll never forget.” — Brad Karp, Chairman of Paul Weiss
- “Need to work magic to get brad Karp admitted to augusta golf club,” — Jeffrey Epstein
The revelations surrounding Brad Karp's correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein underscore the intricate web of relationships that Epstein maintained with influential figures, raising critical questions about ethics and accountability in professional networks.
