Files Show Jeffrey Epstein's Efforts to Rebuild His Reputation Following Criminal Conviction
Recently disclosed documents indicate that the financier and his aides worked to minimize unfavorable publicity and rebuild his reputation in the period after his 2008 guilty plea to state allegations of solicitation of prostitution involving a underage individual.
Organized Reputation Restoration Campaign
The documents, part of 20,000 pages made public by GOP members of the Congressional committee, feature messages and memoranda that reveal a systematic strategy to control internet search rankings and media professionals, and restore Epstein's public image.
Internet Image Management Attempts
In December 2010, Epstein, who had been released from prison in July 2009, had a sequence of electronic messages with Al Seckel, referred to as an peculiar individual who appeared to be aiding control Epstein's internet image.
"Online visibility is poor," Epstein complained on the 11th of December. "After sept when you informed me you believed it would take around twenty thousand to resolve and potentially in time for November 1, then a further 10,000, and yet another $10,000 and your messages about how you are all about results."
Seckel shared Epstein captures of the initial listings of Google search results for Epstein's identity, confirming the financier that a particular publication was eliminated from the results, and that "other ones, such as the influential Huffington Post, are going to be removed."
Online Encyclopedia Manipulation
Seckel further claimed that "negative auto-complete suggestions that popped up automated when you typed in your name" had also been taken down.
In the correspondence, Seckel emphasized what he called an "major success" when it concerned Epstein's Wikipedia profile. "The headlines do not reference registered sex offender or sex criminal," he said, "instead, Charitable activities, his foundation, Advancement of Research."
"Your wiki entry presently appears fairly neutral," he claimed, adding that "bad stuff has been muted" and pushed to the lower section. "We hacked the website to swap the booking photo and description, and currently features an completely new photograph and text," he added. "This was a significant achievement."
Press Management Attempts
The files additionally show collaborators undertaking efforts to influence media coverage. In March 2011, a New York-based PR professional wrote to Epstein saying that a news reporter was working on a story about him, centered around Epstein's "comeback in NYC after your previous problems."
"If you work with me I believe that I can positively affect this feature on your account," the publicist explained. "That does not mean I can dictate it entirely or that they would reference earlier difficulties. However, I can assure you that the story will be objective and that your perspective will be represented intelligently."
The communications expert suggested arranging discussions with people who "have seen the good things that you have accomplished in business, research, and humanitarianism."
Reputation Management Plan
A June 2011 memorandum from a communications firm, titled "Matters of Image", seems to have been prepared for Epstein and details a strategy to improve his public persona.
The report advises reducing any appearances in the sensationalist publications, rebuilding "your public image" in chosen media, political and charitable circles, establishing "the client as a innovative champion of technology and innovation" and recommends organizing "some kind of annual event which assembles your business and philanthropic endeavors."
Online Management
The firm additionally suggested a "clean-up" of search results on "each major search engines where your name is included in a search query", labeling it as an "urgent matter."
The agency further suggested engaging with "top editors and journalists", specifically "established financial and business journalists."
Further Image Restoration Strategies
In summer 2011, Epstein contacted a influential communications expert encouraging her to contact a influential figure to engage a major publication to examine allegations concerning one of Epstein's primary accusers.
In the correspondence, Epstein stated that the media executive "should champion the problems of unfounded claims" and "assign a reporter or reporters to examine" the person. "Royal circles would appreciate it," he wrote.
The PR professional responded that "should you rewrite your previous message in improved language (and so I have a clearer comprehension) I can cut and paste and forward it." Epstein answered with a revised version.
In a later response, the publicist stated to journalists that she never forwarded Epstein's edited message and had "no cause to contact" the publisher.
"That was ridiculous for him to believe that I would participate in his senseless nefarious affairs and endanger my strong relationship," the PR professional said, adding that she had a working association with the media executive.
The PR professional also described Epstein as "totally detached from reality" and operating in his "personal illusion of a world that focused on him as he always considered he was the {