Newly released Epstein files spark global fallout, forcing prominent executives, politicians and cultural figures to resign as scrutiny intensifies over past contacts with the disgraced financier’s network.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media
A fresh wave of resignations has swept through corporate, political, and cultural institutions after the latest cache of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein exposed previously unknown relationships with prominent figures across the U.S. and Europe.
The newly released files — described as one of the most detailed disclosures yet — reignited global outrage and intensified scrutiny of influential individuals who had contact with the disgraced financier. While some billionaires and tech leaders continue to face public criticism without losing their positions, several others have already stepped down from key roles.
Corporate and professional exits
Brad Karp, longtime chairman of elite U.S. law firm Paul Weiss, resigned after emails revealed social interactions with Epstein, including a message seeking help securing a film job for his son.
Karp said the controversy had become “a distraction” for the firm. He will remain at the company in a different role.
Longevity researcher and author Peter Attia also stepped down as chief science officer of David Protein after his name appeared more than 1,700 times in the communications. In one exchange, Attia praised Epstein’s “outrageous” lifestyle.
Attia later said he had believed Epstein’s explanation of his 2008 conviction and called himself “incredibly naïve.” Media organizations have reportedly begun distancing themselves from him.
Art world heavyweight David A. Ross, former director of major American museums, resigned as department chair at New York’s School of Visual Arts. Emails showed Ross communicated with Epstein even during his imprisonment and supported a controversial exhibition idea involving child models. Ross said he was “appalled” by Epstein’s crimes and regretted being misled.
Political shockwaves in Europe
The controversy also triggered resignations among public officials:
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British political figure Peter Mandelson stepped down after his name appeared repeatedly in the documents.
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U.N. official Joanna Rubinstein resigned from her Swedish post.
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Slovak national security adviser Miroslav Lajčák left office.
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Norwegian authorities opened a corruption investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland.
A growing list of consequences
The latest departures add to earlier high-profile fallout connected to Epstein over recent years.
Financier Leon Black left Apollo Global Management after paying Epstein more than $150 million in fees.
Britain’s Prince Andrew lost royal titles following allegations tied to Epstein’s network.
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers stepped back from major academic and technology roles amid controversy.
Now, pressure is building on Olympic organizer Casey Wasserman, who faces calls to resign over communications with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
The bigger picture
The new disclosures have widened the scandal beyond isolated relationships, suggesting a broad social network spanning business, politics and culture. Each revelation continues to test institutions over how they respond to past associations — and whether public trust can be restored.
For now, the documents ensure that the Epstein affair remains not only a criminal case from the past, but an ongoing reputational crisis for the global elite.
