Inside Jeffrey Epstein's Infamous "Birthday Book" and Its Notable Contributors
In 2003, marking Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday, Ghislaine Maxwell, then Epstein’s close associate, curated an elaborate keepsake: a professionally bound journal featuring messages from his circle of friends, business partners, and acquaintances. This "birthday book," containing multiple volumes with an organized table of contents, has recently come to light, shedding new perspective on Epstein’s high-profile network.
A Closer Look at the Letters
Among approximately 60 contributors, names like former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump stood out, alongside Wall Street titan Leon Black, celebrated fashion designer Vera Wang, and media magnate Mort Zuckerman. Clinton’s letter reflected a sentimental tone, emphasizing themes of enduring friendships and curiosity, while Trump’s entry controversially featured a sketch of a naked woman alongside birthday wishes.
Donald Trump has vehemently denied authoring or endorsing the drawing, calling the story "fake" and the Wall Street Journal report "inaccurate," emphasizing that such imagery is inconsistent with his character and language.
A spokesman for Clinton similarly dismissed any implication of wrongdoing, highlighting that the former president severed connections with Epstein over a decade before Epstein’s 2019 arrest and was unaware of his illicit activities.
The Diverse Circle: From Billionaires to Designers
The book categorized contributors by their relationship to Epstein, grouping Trump and Clinton under "Friends," while notable financiers like the late Alan "Ace" Greenberg and James "Jimmy" Cayne were under "Business." Around 20 others, including Leslie Wexner (former Victoria’s Secret executive), attorney Alan Dershowitz, and modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, were also part of the "Friends" section.
Other intriguing categories included labels like "Science," "Brooklyn," and "Family," illustrating the wide reach of Epstein's social web.
Content Ranged From Innocuous to Explicit
While some messages offered simple congratulations and goodwill, others bordered on the risqué. Nathan Myhrvold, former CTO of Microsoft, attached wildlife photos from Africa that included mating animals and explicit imagery, explaining through his spokesperson that his interest as a wildlife photographer motivated the contribution. Leon Black’s poem referenced Epstein using metaphors drawn from a Vanity Fair profile, with subtly suggestive lines.
Fashion designer Vera Wang humorously proposed featuring Epstein on "The Bachelor" reality show, and Mort Zuckerman joked about Epstein’s supposed Liechtenstein origins, illustrating a culture of casual, sometimes irreverent interactions within the group.
Constructing the Album: Maxwell’s Role and Eyewitness Accounts
Individuals familiar with the album’s creation recall Maxwell coordinating the collection, scanning submissions and commissioning a New York City bookbinder to produce a calfskin-bound volume. Several assistants and recipients remember seeing the pages attributed to Clinton and Trump during this process.
Brad Edwards, an attorney representing numerous Epstein victims, confirmed on MSNBC the existence of the "birthday book," citing multiple client recollections. Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein, also acknowledged Maxwell’s involvement in assembling the gift.
Renewed Scrutiny of Trump’s and Other Figures’ Ties to Epstein
The revelations tie into renewed debates over Trump’s connections to Epstein, especially after Elon Musk publicly stated Trump’s name appears in Department of Justice records tied to the investigation. Following Epstein’s 2019 arrest for sex trafficking, the FBI seized extensive evidence from Epstein’s properties, though Epstein died in jail before trial.
Trump has urged the Justice Department to release credible documents regarding Epstein, amidst persistent public scrutiny and media attention.
Legal Developments and Maxwell’s Imprisonment
Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in facilitating Epstein’s sexual abuse of minors. She may soon be called to testify before the U.S. Congress, highlighting continuing efforts by authorities to shed light on the extent of Epstein’s operations and the possible complicity of his acquaintances.
A recent meeting between a U.S. Justice Department official and Maxwell signals ongoing transparency attempts, particularly in the wake of public criticism over delayed record releases related to Epstein's case.
Contextual Insight: Why the "Birthday Book" Matters
This extensively curated archive offers more than just personal messages—it reveals the complex social and financial entanglements surrounding Epstein. It underscores the challenges in dissecting the thin line between legitimate social associations and potentially complicit behavior.
For policymakers, legal experts, and the public, the "birthday book" serves as a stark reminder of how influential networks can shield wrongdoing under layers of friendship and business. It raises pressing questions about accountability among elites and the role of political and corporate figures in addressing systemic abuses of power.
Editor's Note
The emergence of Epstein’s "birthday book" invites us to scrutinize the intersections of wealth, power, and morality. As letters from world leaders and prominent businessmen surface, so too does the complexity in untangling association from endorsement. Going forward, transparency and rigorous legal scrutiny are essential—not only for justice for Epstein’s victims but also for societal trust in institutions and public figures. Are these networks ready to be fully exposed, and will accountability extend beyond the surface of curated greetings?
