A newly released video interview shows Jeffrey Epstein rejecting claims that he was among the most dangerous sexual predators, as fresh files published by US authorities continue to shed light on the disgraced financier’s life, crimes and political connections.
The footage, included in the latest tranche of government documents, features Epstein speaking at length with Steve Bannon, a former adviser to President Donald Trump. Filmed inside Epstein’s New York residence on an undisclosed date, the interview runs for nearly two hours and captures the convicted sex offender attempting to minimise both his criminal record and public image.
At one point, Mr Bannon asks Epstein whether he believes he is “the devil himself”. Epstein, smiling, replies that he is not, before adding, “I don’t know. Why would you say that?” The exchange is among several moments in which Epstein appears to push back against characterisations of him as a serious threat.
Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor and later died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, also disputes being described as a high-risk sexual predator. When Mr Bannon refers to him as a “class three” offender — a designation used in the United States for those considered the most dangerous — Epstein responds by insisting he belonged to the lowest category.
“But a criminal,” Mr Bannon interjects. Epstein replies simply: “Yes.”
The interview also touches on Epstein’s wealth and the source of his fortune. When challenged over whether his money was “dirty”, Epstein maintains that his earnings were legal, though he concedes that questions of ethics are “always complicated”. He cites donations to global health initiatives, including efforts to eradicate polio in parts of South Asia, as examples of how he sought to justify his financial success.
The newly released material also highlights the extent of Epstein’s contact with Mr Bannon, including correspondence in which Epstein reportedly offered assistance in promoting conservative political ideas in Europe.
The video forms part of a vast release of documents, photographs and recordings published by US authorities since President Trump returned to office in January 2025. The disclosures have renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s extensive network of contacts across politics, business and academia.
Those named in the files include prominent figures from the corporate world, entertainment industry and public life, among them Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, filmmaker Woody Allen, former president Bill Clinton and Mr Trump himself. None of those individuals have been accused of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, though many have previously acknowledged some form of association with him.
While the documents offer additional insight into Epstein’s efforts to control his narrative, they have also reignited debate over how he was able to maintain influence and access to powerful circles for years, despite repeated allegations and convictions related to sexual abuse.
