New Epstein files mention Zohran Mamdani’s mother Mira Nair; email recalls Clinton, Bezos at afterparty
The documents include an October 21, 2009 email sent by publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein, referencing an afterparty at Ghislaine Maxwell’s townhouse for Mira Nair’s film Amelia.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s film-director mother, Mira Nair, is mentioned in a fresh tranche of documents tied to late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the New York Post reported.
Afterparty email names Nair, Clinton, Bezos
The documents include an October 21, 2009 email sent by publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein, referencing an afterparty at Ghislaine Maxwell’s townhouse for Nair’s film Amelia.
“Just left Ghislaine’s townhouse…after party for film,” the early-morning message said.
“Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos were there…Jean Pigozzi, director MIra Nair…etc. Film received tepid reaction though women like it much more…Hillary Swank and [Richard] Gere are at stupid party in Bloomingdales cheap sportswear department…very weird,” the email continued.
Nair directed the 2009 biopic Amelia, starring Hilary Swank as pioneer aviator Amelia Earhart and Richard Gere as her husband, publisher George Putnam. The email surfaced in the latest document dump released by the US Department of Justice on Friday.
Justice Department releases millions of records
On Friday, the Justice Department said it has released a large additional set of records from its investigative files on Epstein, resuming disclosures under a law aimed at revealing what the government knew about the financier’s sexual abuse of young girls and his interactions with influential figures, including Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department would release more than three million pages of documents, along with over 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. The files, posted online on Friday, include records that were withheld from an initial December release while officials reviewed them to avoid disclosing sensitive victim information.
Among those referenced are Prince Andrew, email correspondence involving Elon Musk, and contacts spanning the political spectrum. The disclosures were made under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, enacted after sustained public and political pressure.
The records contain thousands of references to Trump, including emails sharing news articles about him, commentary on his policies and politics, and gossip involving him and his family. Officials denied any effort to shield Trump, who has said he cut ties with Epstein years ago, from embarrassment.
Musk, Bannon, Lutnick feature in emails
The files show Musk contacted Epstein on at least two occasions about possible visits to Epstein’s Caribbean island. In a 2012 exchange, Epstein asked how many people Musk would like flown by helicopter; Musk replied, “Probably just Talulah and me,” referencing his then-partner Talulah Riley. It is unclear whether any visit occurred. Musk has said he repeatedly rebuffed Epstein’s overtures.
Emails also show conservative activist Steve Bannon discussing meetings and travel logistics with Epstein, and correspondence involving Howard Lutnick, who has said he cut ties long ago and had limited interactions in the presence of his wife.
Story continues below this ad
Long-running scrutiny, unanswered questions
The release represents the largest document dump to date in a saga that has fuelled public suspicion of cover-ups for years. Blanche acknowledged that the disclosures may not satisfy demands for a complete accounting. “There’s a hunger, or a thirst, for information that I don’t think will be satisfied by the review of these documents,” he said.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019, a month after being indicted on federal sex-trafficking charges. In 2008 and 2009, he served jail time in Florida after pleading guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor. In 2021, a federal jury convicted Maxwell of sex trafficking; she is serving a 20-year sentence.
None of Epstein’s victims who have gone public have accused Trump or Clinton of wrongdoing. Both have said they had no knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of underage girls.
The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students.
All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.
Core Team
The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.
Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More
After another stellar contribution with the bat in India’s 93-run win over Namibia on Thursday, Ishan Kishan touched upon the change in his mindset that happened in the two years he spent out of the India set-up. After his blistering 24-ball 61 put India on their way to a formidable total of 209, Kishan indicated that there is more to his jovial nature than what meets the eye.
