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DOJ Emails Reveal Epstein’s Aborted Attempt to Acquire EMI in 2000s

Updated (4 articles)
  • EMI Records was one of the major players of the music industry
    EMI Records was one of the major players of the music industry
    Image: BBC
    EMI Records was one of the major players of the music industry (AFP via Getty Images) Source Full size
  • The emails have been newly released by the US Department of Justice
    The emails have been newly released by the US Department of Justice
    Image: BBC
    The emails have been newly released by the US Department of Justice Source Full size
  • An image from the Epstein files showing David Stern at the opening of a new office for his company Asia Gateway in Beijing in 2011
    An image from the Epstein files showing David Stern at the opening of a new office for his company Asia Gateway in Beijing in 2011
    Image: BBC
    An image from the Epstein files showing David Stern at the opening of a new office for his company Asia Gateway in Beijing in 2011 (US Department of Justice) Source Full size
  • David Stern sits to the left of the Queen at a Pitch@Palace event at St James's Palace in London, in November 2016
    David Stern sits to the left of the Queen at a Pitch@Palace event at St James's Palace in London, in November 2016
    Image: BBC
    David Stern sits to the left of the Queen at a Pitch@Palace event at St James's Palace in London, in November 2016 (PA Media) Source Full size

Epstein Pursued EMI After Stern’s Suggestion Emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that London‑based German businessman David Stern told Jeffrey Epstein the music label EMI could provide access to women, using the code “P” for women, and highlighted his connections to Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson [1]. Stern’s proposal arrived in early 2000s and was forwarded to Epstein, who responded that he was interested in buying into the former music conglomerate [1]. Epstein’s reply explicitly referenced the potential deal, marking the first documented step toward an EMI investment [1]. The DOJ files, made public on 20 February 2026, confirm the timing and content of these exchanges [1].

Epstein Named High‑Profile Executives for Deal In a follow‑up email Epstein asked, “Do we need help – mandelson?” suggesting that UK Business Secretary Lord Mandelson might facilitate the transaction [1]. He also proposed that former Sony Music chief Tommy Mottola be brought in to run the deal, indicating a desire to involve top industry figures [1]. Lord Mandelson’s reply was brief and partially redacted, confirming only that contact details were exchanged [1]. The correspondence shows Epstein actively seeking political and executive support for the acquisition [1].

Deal Collapsed and EMI Was Later Split The proposed EMI purchase never materialised; Citigroup, EMI’s principal lender, assumed control of the label after the deal fell through [1]. Citigroup later split EMI in 2011, selling its assets to Universal Music Group and a Sony‑Geffen consortium [1]. This restructuring ended any possibility for Epstein to gain a foothold in the music industry [1]. The collapse is documented in the same DOJ email cache released in February 2026 [1].

2011 Revival Attempts Yielded No Bid In 2011 Stern again flagged EMI as a potential Chinese‑friendly asset, reviving interest in the label [1]. Connecticut businessman Kevin Law offered to place a UK partner into a KKR‑led syndicate to pursue the acquisition [1]. Despite these discussions, no formal bid was submitted and KKR declined to comment [1]. The renewed talks underscore the persistent but unrealised ambition to secure EMI [1].

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Timeline

2008 – Jeffrey Epstein pleads guilty to state charges for prostituting minors, establishing the criminal backdrop for later communications and investigations [3].

2009 – Sarah Ferguson emails Epstein requesting a £20,000 rent loan after a business venture collapses, while also calling him “the brother I have always wished for” in affectionate correspondence [3].

2009 – German entrepreneur David Stern tells Epstein that investing in EMI could give him “access to women,” prompting Epstein to reply that he is interested and to ask whether “mandelson” should help [1].

2010 – Flavio Briatore emails Epstein to discuss a potential aircraft purchase for Mohamed Al Fayed and a Chelsea property sale, referring to Epstein as “my Italian friend” [2].

Early 2011 – Citigroup assumes control of EMI, splits the label and sells its assets to Universal and a Sony‑Geffen consortium, ending any chance for Epstein’s involvement [1].

Early 2011 – David Stern again flags EMI as a Chinese‑friendly asset; Connecticut businessman Kevin Law offers a UK partner to a KKR‑led syndicate, but no bid materialises and KKR declines comment [1].

September 2011 – Sarah Ferguson congratulates Epstein on a baby boy she heard about from “The Duke,” reinforcing their continued personal connection [3].

March 2011 – Epstein complains that the Evening Standard labels him a pedophile; Ferguson replies that she feels “deep regret” about her ties to him [4].

April 2011 – Ferguson tells Epstein she will not call him a “P” and acts to “protect my own brand,” highlighting reputational concerns [4].

2013 – Steve Tisch exchanges emails with Epstein about “adult women,” prompting NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to say the league is reviewing the facts to determine policy implications [2].

2013 – Josh Harris meets Epstein at a breakfast, later claiming he tried to block Epstein’s corporate overtures and cancelled meetings [2].

2016 – Harris writes to Epstein that he is “happy to catch up,” indicating ongoing contact despite earlier avoidance [2].

May 2017 – Former FIA president Jean Todt visits Epstein’s New York home after a Norwegian diplomat arranges the meeting, and he plans follow‑up meetings in Paris or Geneva [2].

Feb 2 2026 – The U.S. Department of Justice releases thousands of Epstein emails that show Ferguson’s affectionate language, financial requests, and attempts to manage her public image [3].

Feb 3 2026 – Sarah’s Trust announces it will shut down for the foreseeable future after the DOJ email leak reveals Ferguson’s continued friendship with Epstein [4].

Feb 4 2026 – DOJ‑released files expose post‑conviction contacts between Epstein and senior sports executives; the NFL says it is reviewing the facts to assess policy implications [2].

Feb 20 2026 – DOJ releases emails detailing Epstein’s unfinished EMI deal, including his interest sparked by Stern, his suggestion to involve Tommy Mottola, and Lord Mandelson’s brief redacted reply [1].

2026 (ongoing) – The NFL continues its internal review of contacts with Epstein, signaling possible future disciplinary actions [2].

2026 (summit) – Prince Edward, at the World Governments Summit, stresses that “it is really important always to remember the victims,” linking the scandal to broader governmental concerns [4].

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