Archival correspondence reveals how the US financier managed guest lists for the South African President, prioritizing models and high-profile introductions.
Jeffrey Epstein played a behind-the-scenes role in social arrangements for Jacob Zuma during his 2010 state visit to the United Kingdom, according to the latest tranche of documents released from the financier’s estate. The emails provide a window into how Epstein leveraged his network to populate events for world leaders.
The correspondence centers on a dinner at the Ritz Hotel. Acting on Epstein’s advice, an organizer contacted a young Russian model living in London. “Jeffrey suggested that I invite you, as you would be certain to add some real glamour to the occasion,” the invitation stated. The model, whose name was redacted in the files, accepted, providing details of her representation by the Select model agency.
Connecting with British Elite
Epstein also utilized the event to network with British political figures. He emailed Lord Peter Mandelson, informing him of the dinner and the specific inclusion of the “beautiful Russian” guest. While Mandelson’s reply is not in the file, a post-event email to Epstein from another associate confirmed the success of the arrangement.
“Jacob Zuma was much more impressive and engaging than I thought he would be,” the associate wrote on March 6, 2010, while also thanking Epstein for the introduction to the model, whom they described as possessing “elegance and natural charm.”
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has refused to engage with the specifics of the dinner, instead attacking the premise of the reporting. They maintain that the story is fabricated from “innuendo” and asserts there is no evidence the former president engaged in any “unlawful or improper conduct.”
SOURCES: Epstein Case Files, BBC, Daily Maverick.
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