Author JK Rowling has issued a categorical denial regarding claims she invited convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to a Harry Potter premiere, describing the suggestion as "beyond silly" in a public statement.
Rowling's Firm Rejection of Epstein Links
The Harry Potter creator took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to address the allegations directly, stating unequivocally: "This is beyond silly. Neither I, nor anybody on my team, ever met, communicated with or invited Jeffrey Epstein to anything."
Rowling's statement comes in response to newly released documents that have sparked widespread speculation about Epstein's connections to numerous high-profile individuals across the globe.
Epstein Documents Release Context
The controversy emerged following the publication of millions of files by the US Department of Justice, which detail Epstein's extensive network of contacts among world figures including Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump.
Within these documents, it was revealed that Epstein had attempted to gain entry to the Broadway debut of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in April 2018, but was ultimately denied access at the door.
The Broadway Incident Details
According to the released files, the stage production's producers initially sent Epstein tickets after his publicist, Peggy Siegal, requested access for an anonymous client described as a "very important friend" who wished to attend the theatrical spectacle.
Colin Callender, head of theatre production company Playground Entertainment, agreed to facilitate entry for this unnamed individual but has since clarified he was "never made aware of Epstein's identity" at the time.
How the Misunderstanding Arose
The confusion appears to have stemmed from email correspondence included in the Epstein files, which documented the failed attempt to secure Epstein's attendance at the Harry Potter production.
Epstein was never actually on the official guest list and was turned away at the entrance after being provided with incorrect tickets for the event.
Following this rejection, Epstein emailed Siegal with the message: "Couldn't get in. No biggy but thought you should know," prompting Siegal to contact Playground Entertainment about what she described as the "terribly upsetting" situation.
Siegal reportedly demanded an apology for the incident, though Callender has indicated that no such apology was ever given.
Other Notable Mentions in Epstein Files
The newly released documents also contain references to other public figures, including Daily Show host Jon Stewart, though in markedly different contexts.
Stewart was mentioned in a 2015 email exchange between Epstein and producer Barry Josephsen, where they discussed creating a stand-up comedy special about a comedy figure referred to only as "Woody."
The email suggested that "somebody like Jon Stewart could host/narrate the biographical part" of the proposed project.
Stewart addressed his inclusion in the files with characteristic humour, joking about whether he actually had an offer or was merely being considered as a potential candidate for the role.
Clarifying the Record
Rowling's emphatic denial serves to separate her and her team from any association with Epstein, whose criminal activities and connections continue to be examined through these document releases.
The author's statement reinforces that despite Epstein's attempts to attend Harry Potter-related events through intermediaries, there was never any direct invitation or communication from Rowling or her representatives.
