Peggy Siegal

Peggy Siegal (born July 17, 1947) is a New York entertainment publicist and Hollywood events organizer who maintained an extensive relationship with Jeffrey Epstein documented across 8,773 emails in the archive, spanning from at least 2009 through 2019. Owner of the Peggy Siegal Company, one of Manhattan's top media marketing firms, Siegal specialized in organizing exclusive film screenings and curating guest lists for Oscar campaigns. The archive documents her role as an active instrument in Epstein's social rehabilitation following his 2008 conviction, most notably organizing a December 2010 dinner at Epstein's townhouse for Prince Andrew attended by Katie Couric, George Stephanopoulos, Woody Allen, and Charlie Rose. Beyond professional courtesies, Epstein served as Siegal's personal financial patron, providing an annual "birthday budget" exceeding $50,000, funding international trips including a Kenya safari in 2009, and providing extensive legal advice regarding Siegal's protracted dispute with her brother over their mother's estate. The archive reveals Epstein literally scripted Siegal's talking points for press inquiries about him, which she delivered almost verbatim to journalists. In March 2019, as renewed criminal investigations threatened Epstein, Siegal wrote him: "Your situation is nothing more than political shenanigans to extort more money from you and discredit competitive government officials". Following Epstein's July 2019 arrest, major clients including Netflix and FX severed ties with Siegal.

Background#

Born in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, to a Polish Jewish family, Siegal founded the Peggy Siegal Company over three decades ago. By 2018, her firm was described as one of the top 12 media marketing firms in the industry. Siegal built her career on organizing red carpet screenings and intimate dinner events for critics, Academy members, and media influencers during awards season. Known for maintaining extensive categorized lists of tastemakers, she became the go-to publicist for film studios hoping to secure Oscar nominations, teaching stars like Leonardo DiCaprio how to navigate the awards circuit.

According to public reporting, Siegal's association with Epstein became publicly controversial in July 2019 when The New York Times reported on her role in facilitating his return to New York society after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The reporting led Netflix, FX, and Annapurna Pictures to immediately terminate their relationships with her company. In 2020, Vanity Fair reported that Siegal claimed she could no longer remember when she first met Epstein. Journalist Jesse Kornbluth wrote to Siegal in April 2011: "You have known him for decades, were/are friends." Their relationship likely predated the archive's 2009 starting point. Released emails in 2026 from the Epstein files showed extensive correspondence between the two, including Siegal's 2009 message offering to "bring a little baby back for you...or two. Boys or girls?" during a Kenya trip, which Wikipedia characterized as evidence of "evident familiarity in their relationship."

Correspondence with Epstein#

The archive documents continuous correspondence between Siegal and Epstein from 2009 through March 2019, with Siegal sending 3,638 emails as sender and receiving 4,642 as a primary recipient. The correspondence reveals a relationship mixing social planning, estate legal matters, personal financial support, and coordinated public relations strategy.

In July 2009, shortly after Epstein's release from custody, Variety reported that Siegal welcomed him back with an email asking: "How did it feel to fall asleep on 100% Egyptian cotton again? Exactly how long was your first freedom shower? What did you have for breakfast? Caviar, smoked salmon, eggs benedict?" Though this specific email was not located in the searchable archive, the archive shows Siegal immediately began including Epstein on her invitation lists for film screenings and social events.

Throughout the correspondence, Siegal regularly forwarded Epstein her weekly screening schedules. In October 2013, she instructed her assistant: "Andres- send all new invites to Jeffrey including tonight". Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff frequently confirmed his attendance as "Jeffrey Epstein plus" one, two, or three guests. In July 2012, when planning Epstein's attendance at a screening of "The Campaign," Siegal wrote to his staff: "Do not want young girls with no last names. Press will be there. Please over 30". Groff relayed this to Epstein: "Peggy says she does not want young girls with no last names at the screening...She says the press will be there...she requests 'over 30'". This instruction demonstrates Siegal had direct knowledge that Epstein regularly brought very young, unidentified women to public events.

Direct Knowledge of Epstein's Alleged Activities

The archive documents that Siegal received detailed information about allegations against Epstein and maintained awareness over many years. On March 8, 2011, Epstein forwarded Siegal the Vicky Ward article "Jeffrey and Ghislaine: Notes on New York's Oddest Alliance," which explicitly discussed Ghislaine Maxwell introducing Epstein to "young women with whom he had sexual relationships," Virginia Roberts, and the allegation that Epstein wanted women to "look pre-pubescent." The article also noted that "New York friends are suddenly hesitant to talk about Maxwell" and described how Prince Andrew "recently tried to publicly disassociate himself."

In April 2011, Siegal participated in the Daily Beast article "Society Friends Close Ranks Around Financier," which explicitly discussed allegations of procuring underage girls, Virginia Roberts, and Ghislaine Maxwell's role. Siegal was quoted defending Epstein: "I and many others that know him describe him as brilliant," and the article named her as having organized events for Epstein, including a Yom Kippur Break Fast where "120 friends brought their children over."

In December 2018, as new Miami Herald reporting emerged, Siegal wrote Epstein advice that explicitly referenced his victims: "These young girls need help to learn how to make a living and not by prey to men". This demonstrated her sustained awareness of the pattern.

Coordination of Public Relations Strategy

The archive reveals Siegal served not merely as a passive social facilitator but as an active instrument of Epstein's rehabilitation strategy. In March 2011, when journalist Alexandra Wolfe contacted Siegal about Epstein, Siegal forwarded the inquiry to Epstein, who responded by literally scripting her talking points in the third person: "I would tell you that both I and many others that know him, describe him as brilliant. His unique mind is what attracts the worlds smartest people to his home...He never really socialized, separate from the few events that he would attend, preferring to stay at his home and host nobel prize winners or captains of industry..." Epstein also provided misdirection for Siegal to feed the journalist: "the story for Alexandra is she should review the Scott Rothstein and partners story...these are the people that made the allegations...he is currently serving 50 years."

The resulting Daily Beast article quoted Siegal almost verbatim from Epstein's script: "I and many others that know him describe him as brilliant. His unique mind is what attracts the world's smartest people to his home."

In April 2011, when journalist Jesse Kornbluth contacted Siegal for a New York Times piece, she immediately forwarded the entire exchange to Epstein, including Kornbluth's pointed question: "Why was your reaction to his crimes to continue being his friend?" In the follow-up exchange, Siegal provided Kornbluth with a statement coordinated with Epstein: "He pleaded guilty to a crime and paid a large price for his mistake...The quaker inspired method of shunning and shaming was replaced hundreds of years ago by the more benevolent practice of forgiveness." During this exchange, Siegal also wrote: "I thought you and Jeffrey were one-time friends," and Kornbluth revealed: "We were friends. That stopped the night before my wedding...when he called her up and asked her to come over and fuck."

In December 2018, as new reporting emerged about Epstein's past, he wrote Siegal: "press brutal, but ive been through it before". She responded with detailed advice, writing: "I told you a few years ago to be the poster boy for making amends. I suggested inventing a support system to aid disadvantaged young women...These young girls need help to learn how to make a living and not by prey to men".

In March 2019, after a New York Times opinion letter mentioned Epstein, he sent it to Siegal writing: "i can use your help this is not what i do. people are suggesting i treat all women badly, you are the perfect example of its falsity". Siegal responded immediately: "I have been thinking about you for months. Your situation is nothing more than political shenanigans to extort more money from you and discredit competitive government officials. What deal the government made....there is no 'do over' ten years later. You have behaved impeccably. You paid your price to society".

In April 2019, when Netflix documentary producers contacted Siegal about participating in what would become the series about Epstein, she forwarded the request to him asking: "Jeffrey....how much do you know about this? When can I call you tomorrow? I know nothing but have friends at Netflix". Epstein forwarded the exchange to Steve Bannon, writing that the director was "a bit of a hack".

Financial Relationship and Personal Support

Beyond professional coordination, the archive documents extensive personal financial support from Epstein to Siegal. In May 2009, Siegal's niece Mattie wrote to Epstein thanking him for funding a Kenya trip: "I really can't thank you enough for giving me and Miasha this opportunity. Every single detail sounds absolutely amazing...I fell in love with Africa when I went with Peggy three years ago and knew I had to go back but I'm still kind of in shock that it is actually happening."

On December 18, 2009, at 10:16:59 PM, while boarding a plane to Kenya with her niece Mattie, Siegal sent Epstein an email with subject line "Kenya" writing: "On the plane now with Mattie...we are about to take off for Amsterdam to Nairobi. We land the morning of the 19th in Amsterdam and late evening of the 19th in Nairobi. On Sunday morning we fly into the bush to Cotter's Camp in the Masai Mara....then to Sasaab in 24th-26th. Then on 26th to Lamu to Peponi Hotel....and back Jan. 4th. We can not thank you enough yet another life experience. If the Masai warriors don't eat us, the pirates from Somalia will... Coming to PB to see you in Jan. Taking photos. Will have a ball and think of you all the time. Can bring a little baby back for you....or two. Boys or girls? So Madonna. Will email when we get to Amsterdam. Saw Sarah- the duchess on Today Show and Regis today...she was very compelling..." The phrase "yet another life experience" suggests this was not the first trip Epstein had funded for Siegal. The "So Madonna" reference was a joke about Madonna's controversial African adoptions.

In June 2017, Siegal asked Epstein to fund a $15,000 Elton John charity dinner ticket: "Since I did a lunch, screening and press conference for him in Cannes...I wormed my way into an invite...I can pay the $15,000 or take it off my birthday present?" On June 23, 2017, she wrote: "Jeffery, I know all the girls say this, but your generosity always takes my life to another level. You enable me to sail thru global ports and experience life to it's fullest." The phrase "I know all the girls say this" is particularly notable given Epstein's documented pattern with young women.

The same email explicitly revealed Epstein provided Siegal with an annual "birthday budget": "I am giving and paying for.(out of my birthday budget)..a dinner for 48 on Gigi and Avie Mortimer's back porch" — referencing a $50,000 budget. She continued: "The money left over from Elton John (15,000) and my July 15th Southampton party over $50,000 is going towards my new apartment," revealing the birthday allocation exceeded $50,000. She also mentioned "The free month at the Carlyle is great," indicating Epstein had funded a month at the Carlyle Hotel. Siegal discussed her $200,000 apartment renovation in this context. Epstein responded: "you deserve it, you have given of yourself to many people and made the lives of your niece livable," acknowledging the financial support as reward for her service.

The relationship extended beyond financial support to regular social contact. In October 2013, Epstein sent Siegal five cakes for her 67th birthday. She wrote back: "YOU! I am 67 today and do not look it because I never eat sugar The office LOVES you...Looking forward to seeing you tonight". The emails document regular social contact, with Siegal writing about visiting Palm Beach to stay with Kathy Rayner and keeping Epstein updated on her European travels, film festival attendance in Cannes, Taormina, and yacht trips.

Siegal expressed interest in visiting Epstein's private island. In December 2013, she wrote: "I am totally ready to come visit...would LOVE to see your island." On November 26, 2013, Epstein wrote Siegal about inviting someone to "little st james" to visit with Richard Branson. On December 20, 2013, she wrote: "See you in the Caribbean. I am coming to visit."

Estate Legal Dispute

A significant portion of correspondence concerns Siegal's dispute with her brother Gary over their mother Annette Siegal's estate. Beginning in 2011, after her mother's death, Siegal repeatedly sought Epstein's advice on legal strategy and financial matters. Epstein advised: "Make sure no distributions are made none zero, of gary tAkes it it will be years before you see a dime". He connected Siegal with attorneys Philip J. Michaels and Martin B. O'Connor II, who appear extensively in the correspondence handling the estate dispute. In December 2013, Epstein wrote Siegal: "I spoke to josh last night, as of feb last year I had caculatedd you were owed over 1 million dollars". The legal dispute, documented through 2014, involved negotiations over estate distributions exceeding $1 million, with Epstein providing strategic guidance and attorney referrals throughout. Siegal expressed gratitude: "Thank you for talking to Josh...I kiss the ground you walk on."

Relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell

The archive documents a complicated dynamic between Siegal and Ghislaine Maxwell. On February 25, 2012, Siegal wrote to Epstein from Oscar weekend: "How do I get rid of Ghislaine Maxwell! She is NOT in the film business. She is so pushy. Running up to me everytime I am talking to important filmmakers. Always asking me to get her invited places. I really can't stand her." Epstein forwarded this complaint to a third party, who responded "Oh my!! Too funny," showing Epstein did not take Siegal's concerns seriously and shared her private communications with others.

Despite this friction, Siegal included Maxwell on her comprehensive social intelligence reports and guest lists. In December 2010, Siegal sent Epstein a detailed St. Barths Christmas list for screening coordination that included Ghislaine Maxwell (#24, "staying on Billy Kotick's boat") alongside Harvey Weinstein, David Geffen, Lorne Michaels, Martha Stewart, and many others. Maxwell also appeared on Siegal's master "Astor Dinner" and "Wall Street 2" screening guest lists alongside hundreds of other names from Epstein's broader network.

Social Network Coordination and Guest List Management#

The archive reveals Siegal maintained extraordinarily detailed guest lists and social intelligence networks that she shared with Epstein. Her August 2010 "Astor Dinner" guest list included over 200 names with coded categories (400 = social elite, 600 = fashion, WW = worldwide, etc.), including individuals who appear elsewhere in Epstein's network: Ghislaine Maxwell, Harvey Weinstein and Georgina Chapman, Glen and Eva Dubin, David Koch, Donald and Melania Trump, Larry Gagosian, Leon Black, Katie Couric, Charlie Rose, George Stephanopoulos, and many others.

In December 2010, Siegal provided Epstein with comprehensive St. Barths Christmas social intelligence, listing which wealthy individuals and celebrities were vacationing on the island, what properties or yachts they were staying on, and asking: "Please advise where and when to screen." The numbered list included dozens of boldface names and their precise locations. In December 2013, she reported from St. Barths: "Debbie and Leon Black are here on 'Star Catcher'...I though she kept saying 'Star Fucker'," demonstrating the informal intelligence-sharing nature of their communications.

Epstein's calendar documents, including HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_000520.jpg, show coordinated schedules where "3:30ish. Peggy Siegal to come over" appeared on the same day as "11:30 Leon Black" meetings. Multiple HOUSE_OVERSIGHT documents show Epstein's assistant forwarding "Peggy Siegal's Schedule May 6-11" directly to Epstein, with Epstein instructing Lesley Groff: "I only wanted what peggy was hosting".

The coordination involved systematic staff-to-staff communication between Epstein's organization and Siegal's company, with routine exchanges between Lesley Groff, Siegal's assistants Lila Walker and Andres Fernandez, and Epstein's other staff members about RSVP confirmations, screening times, and guest management protocols.

Prince Andrew Dinner (December 2, 2010)#

The archive extensively documents Siegal's organization of a dinner for Prince Andrew at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. On November 30, 2010, Siegal wrote to Epstein proposing multiple event options for Andrew's visit, suggesting: "Thursday, Dec. 2. I have nothing on my schedule....if we do a dinner Thurs. is this in your home?" After Epstein asked "woody alien for prince andrew?, who is smart and today", Siegal responded enthusiastically: "Woody is a great idea. Do you know Woody? I do...If you get Woody...you can probably then build to Charlie Rose, Fareed Zakaria, Rick Stengel (editor of Time), Cynthia McFadden (Nightline), George Stephanopoulos".

The guest list discussion shows Siegal proposed: "I think we should invite a few more incase Charlie Rose does not come...Yes list: Andrew, Jeffrey, George Stephanopolous, Ali Wentworth, Woody Allen, Soon-Yi Allen, Charlie Rose...Katie Couric. She is asking Chelsea Handler..." She also proposed inviting Matt Lauer, Meg Ryan, Nora Ephron, Woody Johnson, Tory Burch, Stephen Daldry, and Cynthia McFadden.

On December 2, 2010, Siegal sent invitations writing: "do not think less of me but I am putting together a very last minute casual dinner for Prince Andrew, who is in New York on an unofficial private visit...Prince Andrew, Woody Allen and Soon-Yi, Katie Couric....Jeffrey Epstein, where Andrew is staying. Jeffrey's house is one the largest single dwellings in New York...it's beautiful." George Stephanopoulos replied: "We'd love to Peggy...thanks...right around the corner from our house!" Later that evening he wrote: "Hi Peggy -- little emergency here. Both girls have 102 fever I can still make it but Ali can't. Sorry."

When the dinner leaked to the New York Post's Page Six, Katie Couric emailed Siegal "Help!!!!!" after journalist Lloyd Grove contacted her. Siegal then emailed Katie (copying Epstein): "Katie: I just spoke Jeffrey and your office and they have more info. Jeffrey says to send an email saying, 'The dinner was private and off the record'.... and leave it at that." The full Page Six article described how "Britain's Prince Andrew regaled a bevy of media heavyweights at billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's Upper East Side townhouse" and reported that "everyone at the table, including Woody Allen, jokingly asked him for an invite to the wedding."

Siegal wrote Epstein afterward: "Emily Smith knew who was there. I am so sorry. I called you asap. I asked what to do. You said deal with her. I tried to deflect anything bad. I am very loyal to you. The leak originated from Tina Brown." Epstein responded: "I thought you told her those things off the record..not good for many reasons."

Connections#

Siegal's correspondence in the archive is predominantly with Lesley Groff (573 shared emails), Epstein's longtime assistant who coordinated his attendance at events. She also corresponds extensively with her own assistants Andres Fernandez (270 emails), who managed invitation distribution, and Lila Walker (192 emails).

The legal dispute over her mother's estate connects Siegal to attorneys Philip J. Michaels (257 emails), Martin B. O'Connor II (182 emails), and Joshua Schmell (253 emails), all of whom corresponded with Epstein about the matter. Her brother Gary Siegal appears in 187 emails related to the estate dispute.

Through her film industry work, Siegal connects to numerous other contacts in Epstein's network who attended her screenings and events, though the nature of those connections appears primarily professional. Her niece Mattie Siegal appears in correspondence regarding the Kenya trip.

The archive documents that Siegal and Epstein moved in overlapping social circles that included Lynn Forester de Rothschild, who appears on Siegal's master guest lists alongside her husband Sir Evelyn de Rothschild. However, no direct evidence was found in the archive of Lynn Forester de Rothschild introducing Siegal and Epstein.

Document References#

DOJ investigation files document Siegal's role coordinating Epstein's social calendar and event attendance. EFTA02218787.pdf shows an alert specifically monitoring "Peggy Siegal email" sent July 31, 2017. Multiple DOJ files document coordination between Siegal's office and Epstein's assistants regarding event RSVPs, with EFTA02216280.pdf showing inquiries about "Peggy's birthday party" details and EFTA02216613.pdf noting the party was "slated for Oct. 30th."

Documents extensively chronicle the 2010 Prince Andrew dinner arrangements. EFTA02411102.pdf shows Siegal proposing multiple event options for Andrew's visit, including screenings and parties, and suggesting: "Thursday, Dec. 2. I have nothing on my schedule....if we do a dinner Thurs. is this in your home?" Subsequent emails show Siegal curating the guest list, proposing Woody Allen after Epstein asked: "woody alien for prince andrew?, who is smart and today". Siegal responded: "Woody is a great idea. Do you know Woody? I do...If you get Woody...you can probably then build to Charlie Rose, Fareed Zakaria, Rick Stengel (editor of Time), Cynthia McFadden (Nightline), George Stephanopoulos".

EFTA02411832.pdf documents the final guest list coordination, with Siegal writing to attendees: "do not think less of me but I am putting together a very last minute casual dinner for Prince Andrew, who is in New York on an unofficial private visit...Prince Andrew, Woody Allen and Soon-Yi, Katie Couric....Jeffrey Epstein, where Andrew is staying. Jeffrey's house is one the largest single dwellings in New York...it's beautiful." When the event leaked to the New York Post's Page Six, EFTA00751096.pdf documents the full article describing how "Britain's Prince Andrew regaled a bevy of media heavyweights at billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's Upper East Side townhouse" and reporting that "everyone at the table, including Woody Allen, jokingly asked him for an invite to the wedding." Siegal wrote Epstein: "Emily Smith knew who was there. I am so sorry. I called you asap...I tried to deflect anything bad. I am very loyal to you. The leak originated from Tina Brown".

Estate-related documents chronicle the years-long dispute with her brother. EFTA02723471.pdf shows Siegal writing to Gary and copying Epstein: "I hope you will not make any final distributions without my sign off." EFTA02672697.pdf documents attorney Philip Michaels reporting to Siegal in October 2013: "We would settle but we needed Gary to come up considerably from his offer of $10,000...If we didn't settle, then we would force a judicial accounting of the trust." EFTA02596539.pdf from December 2014 shows complex negotiations over payments totaling $426,000 and $150,000, with Epstein advising: "get the first 426 and have gary agree now to finance 175 or pay 150 now."

Multiple documents show standard RSVP confirmations for Epstein's screening attendance, including EFTA00326124.pdf confirming "Jeffrey Epstein plus 3 will attend" a screening of "The Man Who Knew Infinity" in April 2016, and EFTA02164318 showing "Jeffrey Epstein plus TWO will attend" "The Campaign" screening in July 2012.

EFTA02442942.pdf documents Mattie Siegal's May 26, 2009 thank-you email to Epstein for funding the Kenya trip: "I really can't thank you enough for giving me and Miasha this opportunity. Every single detail sounds absolutely amazing...I fell in love with Africa when I went with Peggy three years ago and knew I had to go back but I'm still kind of in shock that it is actually happening." EFTA02433105.pdf contains Siegal's December 18, 2009 email sent while boarding the plane to Kenya.

EFTA00906018.pdf and EFTA01837621.pdf document the March 2011 exchange where Epstein scripted talking points for Siegal to deliver to journalist Alexandra Wolfe. EFTA01866401.pdf and EFTA00628712.pdf document the April 2011 exchange with Jesse Kornbluth where Siegal forwarded journalist questions directly to Epstein.

EFTA01042496.pdf, EFTA01042500.pdf, and EFTA01043440.pdf document the June 2017 correspondence revealing the "birthday budget" arrangement, the Elton John charity dinner funding request, the Carlyle Hotel month, and Siegal's statement "I know all the girls say this, but your generosity always takes my life to another level."

EFTA00929506.pdf and EFTA02007204.pdf document Siegal's February 2012 complaint about Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein's forwarding of it to a third party. EFTA00900412.pdf contains the December 2010 St. Barths guest list including Maxwell. EFTA02421758.pdf contains the comprehensive Astor Dinner and Wall Street 2 screening guest lists with hundreds of names including Maxwell, Harvey Weinstein, the Dubins, David Koch, Donald and Melania Trump, and many others.

EFTA00906214.pdf documents Epstein forwarding the Vicky Ward article about Ghislaine Maxwell and allegations of underage relationships to Siegal on March 8, 2011. EFTA01013950.pdf contains the December 2018 exchange where Siegal referenced "These young girls" who "need help to learn how to make a living and not by prey to men."

HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_000520.jpg, HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_000492.jpg, and multiple other House Oversight Committee calendar documents show Peggy Siegal events on Epstein's schedule including Woody Allen premieres (July 2013), "Trust" screening (March 2018), "The Man Who Knew Infinity" (April 2016), and "The Sense of an Ending" (March 2017).

Visits to Epstein Properties#

The archive documents numerous visits and events at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse:

Manhattan Townhouse:

1. December 2010 - Dinner for Prince Andrew with multiple guests (email coordination, Page Six coverage)
2. December 3, 2010 - Post-dinner correspondence about "regular coffee instead of decaf"
3. December 4, 2010 - Follow-up discussion about Monday dinner, Siegal asked "I want to come...please"
4. October 2013 - Reference to seeing Epstein "tonight" for her birthday
5. Multiple references throughout 2010-2019 to meetings, dinners, and social gatherings at the residence

Other Properties: The archive contains no documentation of Siegal actually visiting Epstein's Little St. James island, though she expressed interest in December 2013: "would LOVE to see your island" and wrote "See you in the Caribbean. I am coming to visit". She mentioned staying with Kathy Rayner in Palm Beach and traveling extensively to Europe for film festivals. No visits to the New Mexico ranch or Paris apartment are documented in the archive.