Epstein Files Expose Business World Ties: Wasserman, Attia, Ratner Under Scrutiny
Newly released Department of Justice files have revealed the extensive reach of Jeffrey Epstein's influence into the business world, exposing previously hidden connections with prominent figures across industries. The documents, made public in February 2026, show how Epstein spun his web of influence and traded on his connections to amass wealth and powerful friends.
Three Prominent Figures Face Scrutiny
Los Angeles Olympics chief Casey Wasserman, celebrity longevity doctor Peter Attia, and Hollywood director Brett Ratner are facing renewed scrutiny following the release of these documents. All three men had reached or returned to the pinnacle of their respective industries in early 2026 when the files became public, revealing secrets they had largely kept hidden.
The Epstein saga has generated headlines about famous figures like former President Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew, whose celebrity status ensured maximum attention. However, the newly released files contain millions of pages documenting interactions with executives, doctors, lawyers, and dealmakers at the tops of their fields—individuals whose connections to Epstein had previously escaped significant public scrutiny.
Casey Wasserman: The Olympics Boss
Casey Wasserman, chairman of the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympics and scion of a Los Angeles entertainment dynasty, exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003 that have now become public. The correspondence reveals suggestive banter between Wasserman and Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate.
In March 2003, Maxwell told Wasserman she had been thinking of him "at inappropriate moments." Wasserman responded: "I think of you all the time...So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?" Maxwell promised she would be wearing "a tight leather flying suit."
Further exchanges that April show Wasserman asking about booking a massage during a New York trip, with Maxwell responding from Brazil: "All that rubbing—are you sure you can take it? The thought frankly is leaving me a little breathless."
These communications occurred after Wasserman had flown on Epstein's private jet in September 2002 as part of a trip to visit HIV/AIDS project sites in Africa with Maxwell, Epstein, and others. At the time of these exchanges, Epstein had not yet been charged with sex crimes.
Wasserman issued an apology from Italy days before the Winter Olympics opened, stating: "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light." He added that he had "never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein," while acknowledging the 2002 flight.
Peter Attia: The Celebrity Doctor
Peter Attia, a physician with a bestselling book on longevity and millions of podcast listeners, saw his name appear more than 1,700 times in the Epstein documents. His relationship with Epstein dated back to 2014 and continued through 2019—the year Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges and died in jail.
The files show Attia met with Epstein several times at his Manhattan townhouse, and Epstein's calendar suggests the financier was also a patient, with notations for blood draws and follow-ups over several years.
In a June 2015 email exchange, Attia wrote to Epstein with the subject line: "Got a fresh shipment." Epstein replied: "Me too," attaching a photo that was redacted in the DOJ release. Attia responded: "Please tell you found that picture on line...bastard," then added: "You the biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can't tell a soul..."
In 2016, Attia wrote to Epstein: "P—-y is, indeed, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though."
Attia responded to the revelations with a 1,000-word letter, apologizing for his "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible" messages while stating he wasn't involved in Epstein's criminal activity. He explained the "fresh shipment" referred to metformin, a diabetes drug he was taking for antiaging purposes, and called the exchange "juvenile" and "not a reference to anything dark or harmful."
Attia described being awestruck by Epstein's extravagant lifestyle, noting: "Everything about him seemed excessive and exclusive, including the fact that he lived in the largest home in all of Manhattan, owned a Boeing 727, and hosted parties with the most powerful and prominent leaders in business and politics."
Brett Ratner: The Hollywood Comeback
Brett Ratner, the "Rush Hour" director whose career was derailed in 2017 by sexual misconduct allegations, had been making a Hollywood comeback with his documentary "Melania" about former first lady Melania Trump. Amazon paid $40 million to license the film with an additional $35 million marketing budget.
The Epstein files revealed twenty undated photos showing Ratner with Epstein at his Manhattan townhouse, with the two men having their arms wrapped around women whose identities are redacted. Other images depicted Ratner with Epstein and Jean-Luc Brunel, the modeling agent who died in a French prison while awaiting trial on sex-crime charges.
Through a spokeswoman, Ratner said: "Those photos are from over 20 years ago, from an event I attended with my then-fiancée, who I'm pictured with. I did not know Jeffrey Epstein and do not recall having any subsequent contact with him."
However, email correspondence tells a different story. In 2023, an Epstein victim told The Wall Street Journal that Epstein had promised to get her an audition with Ratner if she dressed up as Snow White. Released emails show Epstein writing in June 2010: "brett ratner ,is going to film a big movie,, Snow White, , i would love to take photos of you in a snow white costume. you can get it from the costume store."
Further emails reveal Epstein inviting Ratner to dinners at his Manhattan townhouse in December 2010, and Epstein's assistant emailing Ratner directly in 2011: "Jeffrey would like to speak with you regarding [redacted] .could you please give him a call."
In May 2012, celebrity publicist Peggy Siegal emailed Epstein from the Cannes Film Festival: "Brett says 'hi' and he loves you!" Siegal later told the Journal she was unaware of Epstein's nefarious behavior.
As late as 2018, Epstein was using Ratner's name to make introductions, writing in one message: "Hi , im jeffrey. Brett ratner thought we should meet."
Pattern of Denial and Regret
The newly released files show that some people sought the counsel and companionship of Epstein—sometimes even after he pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008—associations that some had previously denied and were until now largely hidden.
All three men have expressed regret about their associations. Wasserman and Attia said they regretted their email exchanges and didn't know about Epstein's crimes. Ratner maintained he didn't really know Epstein despite photographic and documentary evidence suggesting otherwise.
The documents reveal just how intricately Epstein spun his web of influence across multiple industries, using his connections to powerful friends to maintain his position in elite circles long after his criminal behavior became known to some. The release of these files has forced business leaders and celebrities to confront associations they had hoped would remain private, revealing the extent of Epstein's reach into the highest echelons of the business world.
