In a trove of emails from the Department of Justice’s Epstein Library, a stark picture of gender dynamics within Jeffrey Epstein’s network emerges. On a Saturday evening in February 2013, Epstein was messaging Bill Gates’s assistant about a dinner he was organizing. The list of potential attendees included powerful men like the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, and film director Woody Allen. Among the ten influential men, the only woman mentioned was actress Anne Hathaway, with Epstein clarifying his seriousness by adding “really” in brackets. The email ended with a tentative suggestion of “Victoria’s Secret models,” highlighting the peripheral role women played in these gatherings.
The Epstein files expose a world where men wield power and women exist on the fringes, tolerated for their roles in organizing schedules, providing companionship, and occasionally, sex. The emails reveal the private behavior of a male ruling class, networking and exchanging favors, while women remain in the background.
Women as Organizers and Objects
Women in Epstein’s circle were often relegated to roles of organizers and objects. Lesley Groff, Epstein’s long-term executive assistant, was responsible for managing schedules, snacks, and even sexual arrangements. In 2012, when Epstein had a meeting with Larry Summers, Groff reminded her colleagues of Summers’ VIP status, ensuring snacks were prepared for him. Groff’s role extended beyond mere scheduling; she was part of a network of female assistants managing the preferences of powerful men like Elon Musk and Richard Branson.
Groff’s responsibilities included arranging logistics for women Epstein moved around the world. She handled travel arrangements, visa issues, and even ensured women were picked up from specific locations. Despite the demanding nature of her job, gratitude from Epstein was rare, and mistakes were met with reprimands.
Men Messaging Men: A Fraternity of Influence
Without women observing, the men in Epstein’s network communicated freely, often in frat-boy tones. In one exchange, Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem expressed disappointment over the appearance of women Epstein had arranged for him. The casual disdain for women was evident in the emails, with men signing off messages wishing Epstein “lots of P,” a euphemism for sexual encounters.
These exchanges were not limited to crude jokes; they also involved swapping favors and flattery. Epstein’s network was a web of influence, where connections were traded openly. In 2019, Epstein sought reputational advice from Steve Bannon, offering an introduction to Noam Chomsky in return. Such exchanges highlight the transactional nature of relationships within this male-dominated circle.
The Role of Philanthropy and Women’s Exclusion
Philanthropy was another tool used by men in Epstein’s network to extend their influence. Women were often involved in philanthropic efforts, but their presence was usually peripheral. The Epstein files reveal that when women did intrude into this male world, it was often in roles related to philanthropy, not power.
Behind the scenes, Epstein managed the women in his life with a mix of control and indifference. He advised women on personal matters, sometimes with crude humor, and expressed annoyance when they failed to meet his expectations. Despite their proximity to power, women in Epstein’s world were rarely allowed a seat at the table.
Implications and Reflections on Modern Patriarchy
The Epstein files, while documenting the extreme behavior of a notorious sex offender, also offer insights into the workings of modern patriarchy. The casual indifference to women’s roles and the transactional nature of male relationships highlight systemic issues of gender inequality. These revelations serve as a reminder of the persistent barriers women face in accessing power and influence.
As society continues to grapple with issues of gender equality, the Epstein files provide a sobering look at the entrenched dynamics that still pervade many corridors of power. The challenge remains to dismantle these structures and create a more inclusive environment where women have equal opportunities to participate and lead.
