Tina Brown Exposes Epstein's Campaign to Silence Her Investigative Reporting
Princess Diana biographer and former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown has publicly detailed her disturbing encounters with Jeffrey Epstein's publicist Peggy Siegal, following references to her in the recently released Epstein files. Brown asserts that Siegal actively "schemed" with the convicted sex offender to "neutralise" her journalistic efforts over a decade ago.
The Daily Beast's Groundbreaking Exposés
Tina Brown, 72, who served as the founding editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast from 2008 to 2013, oversaw the publication of what she describes as "searing reports on Epstein's predations." The outlet extensively covered Epstein's controversial 18-month sentence for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, revealing the existence of numerous other underage victims. In a post on her Substack blog Fresh Hell, Brown recounted how Epstein made multiple legal threats prior to publication and even appeared unannounced at her office, demanding she "just stop" the coverage.
Although the exposé initially failed to gain significant traction and Epstein did not follow through on his legal threats, the newly leaked emails confirm he was in a "deep panic" over the reporting. Brown noted, "Thanks to the latest DOJ doc deluge, I now know that, after the Beast stories, Epstein was in a deep panic. And so was Siegal, who had sworn to me on the phone that Epstein was 'just a friend she helped out sometimes with his dinners.' The files show the two of them were scheming about how to 'neutralize' me."
Incriminating Email Evidence Unveiled
The released documents include several damning emails that illustrate the extent of the conspiracy. In an email dated 12 October 2010, Siegal wrote to Epstein, "Why did you tell me to invite Tina Brown! She is sending me hysterical emails. Call me asap. I just spoke to her." By February 2011, Siegal was directly questioning Epstein about a Newsweek story—where Brown also served as editor—that focused on him, asking, "It's all coming from Tina Brown and her fury about punishing you. How can you neutralise Tina?"
Further correspondence from November 2012 reveals Epstein attempting to enlist billionaire publisher Mort Zuckerman, urging him to "ask tina brown to remove the sensationalist articles from the web that she had orchestrated." Zuckerman responded pessimistically, stating, "She would have the exact opposite reaction you would like alas."
Sarah Ferguson's Involvement and Controversial Statements
The files also heavily implicate Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who features prominently in the Epstein document release. In May 2011, Ferguson wrote to PR executive James Henderson, claiming, "Jeffrey tells me he is getting death threats and a 200 strong women’s forum lead by Tina Brown has done massive damage to him, and he has lost 50 million dollars." This communication underscores Ferguson's close ties to Epstein, with other leaked emails showing her thanking him for "being the brother [she] always wished for" and declaring her love for him.
A Chilling Dinner Invitation and Ongoing Fallout
Brown additionally recalled a bizarre incident in 2010 when Siegal, whom she labels a "fake friend," invited her to a dinner with Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, Epstein, TV presenter Charlie Rose—later accused of sexual misconduct—and filmmaker Woody Allen. Brown reacted with outrage, writing, "'What the f**k is this, Peggy?' I had screamed. 'The paedophile's ball?' She backed off with high-pitched gibbering about 'all that Epstein stuff being so overblown.'"
The release of over three million documents, emails, photos, and videos by the US Justice Department has provided unprecedented insight into Epstein's crimes and his extensive network. This has proven particularly damaging for Sarah Ferguson, while former Prince Andrew is also implicated, with photographs showing him crouched over an unidentified woman and emails revealing he told Epstein he wanted to be his "pet."
The Mirror has reached out to Sarah Ferguson for comment, but as of now, no response has been provided. The revelations continue to spark widespread discussion and scrutiny regarding the powerful figures associated with Epstein and their efforts to suppress investigative journalism.
