DOJ Documents Expose Epstein's Snow White Costume Request and Links to Barclays

Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice have exposed a disturbing exchange between Jeffrey Epstein and an unidentified woman in June 2010, in which he requested she purchase a Snow White costume for a photo session. The correspondence, part of a trove of 180,000 images and 2,000 videos, reveals Epstein's predatory behavior and his network of connections. The woman complied, replying, 'Will get it!'—a chilling confirmation of her compliance. Just weeks later, Jes Staley, then-CEO of Barclays, allegedly emailed Epstein on July 10, 2010, writing, 'that was fun. Say hi to Snow White.' Staley has since denied any knowledge of the email, but the message has become a focal point of controversy, linking him to Epstein's alleged crimes. Another email from an unidentified second person on the same day described the Snow White costume being 'f***** twice as soon as she put her costume,' adding to the grotesque context of the exchanges.

The documents, released on Friday, provide a harrowing glimpse into Epstein's world of exploitation and manipulation. In April 2010, the unnamed woman wrote to Epstein: 'Milan could be interesting as well. Girls are hungry there,' followed by a plan to 'pick one girl from all the girls I've seen to start with' and take 'snaps and videos tmw.' By September 2010, she described another woman as 'the 26, Russian, clever [sic], beautiful, trustworthy,' indicating Epstein's pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals. These exchanges highlight a systematic abuse of power, with Epstein and his associates exploiting young women for their own gain.

Jes Staley's alleged involvement has drawn scrutiny, especially as he was CEO of Barclays during the time of the emails. The financial institution has faced questions about its ties to Epstein, who was a known associate of the powerful. Staley's denial of the email, coupled with the lack of transparency around Barclays' past dealings, raises concerns about corporate accountability. Meanwhile, Lord Mandelson, a former UK minister, has been linked to Epstein through emails showing he received £55,000 in payments from the financier. Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party after the release of the documents, citing the need to 'distance himself from the allegations.' His resignation underscores the political ramifications of Epstein's influence, which extended to high-profile figures in both the US and UK.

The documents also reveal Epstein's direct involvement in connecting Prince Andrew, the former Duke of York, with a 26-year-old Russian woman in 2010. Emails between Epstein and 'The Duke' show the financier arranging a dinner, with the prince asking, 'Good to be free?'—a reference to Epstein's recent release from jail. The emails were sent in August 2010, six months after Andrew turned 50, and shortly after Epstein had finished his 13-month sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein's request for 'private time' with the prince even extended to Buckingham Palace, a move that has fueled allegations of abuse of power and complicity.

The release of these documents has intensified pressure on Prince Andrew to testify before the US Congress about his alleged connections to Epstein. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated that 'anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information.' However, the former prince has consistently denied allegations, including those from Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was forced to have sex with him in 2001 and 2002. Giuffre's death in April 2023 has further complicated the investigation, as her claims remain uncorroborated without revealing her identity. This is the first time an Epstein survivor has alleged abuse at a royal residence, raising serious questions about the monarchy's response to the scandal.

The ongoing release of documents, including the three million pages made public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, has also highlighted the Justice Department's controversial decision to withhold certain files. Critics argue that the lack of transparency hinders justice, particularly for survivors who seek accountability. The documents' release has reignited debates about the power of the wealthy and powerful to evade consequences, while also emphasizing the need for systemic reform to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

As the investigation continues, the implications for communities affected by Epstein's crimes remain profound. The documents serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of abuse and the complicity of institutions in enabling it. For survivors, the revelations may offer a glimmer of hope for justice, but the road to accountability is long and fraught with challenges. The legacy of Epstein's actions—and the failures of those who enabled them—will continue to shape legal, political, and social discourse for years to come.