Jeffrey Epstein attempted to connect Leonardo DiCaprio with overseas advertising opportunities, according to newly released documents from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) published on Friday. Epstein contacted Lord Peter Mandelson in June 2009, seeking to identify non-US products in countries like India, China, Japan, and Russia for DiCaprio to endorse, apparently aiming to generate income for the actor.
Epstein’s Communications with Lord Mandelson About DiCaprio
In an email dated June 2009, Jeffrey Epstein reached out to Lord Peter Mandelson, the then-Business Secretary, proposing potential endorsement deals for Leonardo DiCaprio outside the United States. Epstein wrote,
“Can you think of anyone in India china, japan…, etc, that might want the endorsement of Leonardo DiCaprio…, russia etc.. cars etc…, he is looking for non-u.s. products to endorse to make some momey [sic].”
These exchanges emerged amid the flood of three million documents recently published by the DOJ, fueling scrutiny of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein.
This revelation has intensified demands from MPs across political lines for swift legislative action to revoke Mandelson’s peerage and bar him permanently from Parliament, following disclosures that deepen his association with the convicted sex offender. Mandelson has been implicated not only in facilitating Leonardo DiCaprio advertising jobs abroad but also in transmitting sensitive government information to Epstein.
Calls for Parliamentary Accountability Over Mandelson’s Links to Epstein
Amid the scandal, Labour leader Keir Starmer has insisted that Lord Mandelson should be stripped of his membership in the House of Lords. Citing ongoing police investigations into alleged misconduct in public office, Starmer urged reforms in the upper chamber’s disciplinary procedures to enable peers to lose their titles.
Further documents indicate that Mandelson was exchanging emails with Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis, a period when he held a central role at No 10 Downing Street. These communications included discussions about the UK government’s reaction to the Credit Crunch as well as which public assets might be put up for sale.
Allegations of Financial Transactions and Government Leaks
Bank statements uncovered reveal that Epstein made multiple payments totaling around $75,000 to Mandelson between 2003 and 2004, while other emails show Epstein wire-transferring $10,000 directly to Mandelson’s husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, in 2009 to support his osteopathy course and related expenses.
On this matter, Lord Mandelson stated:
“Epstein told Reinaldo that he had an educational foundation which gave bursaries or scholarships and offered one for an osteopathy course. I saw this as kindness, nothing more. It was a great help to Reinaldo and I thanked him.”
When questioned about the alleged $75,000 payments, Mandelson said:
“[I have] absolutely no recollection or records of receiving his money and I think I would remember such a large sum.”
The files also point to Mandelson providing Epstein with details about a €500 billion eurozone bailout in May 2010, before the Coalition government assumed power. Moreover, he appears to have advised Epstein on lobbying efforts against a bankers’ bonus tax introduced in late 2009. In response to Epstein asking whether the levy could be restricted to the cash component of bonuses, Mandelson reportedly indicated he was “trying hard” to influence the policy.
Disclosed Images Add to the Controversy
Among the documents released, an unusual photograph shows Lord Mandelson standing in his underpants talking to a woman wearing a white bathrobe. Regarding the image, Mandelson commented:
“[I have] no idea what I am doing in this photograph or who the woman was. It looks as though she came in and showed me something on an iPad.”
Another recently surfaced picture displays Mandelson receiving a foot massage while wearing a broad smile, intensifying media attention on his personal conduct amid the scandal. A 2022 photo also showed Mandelson singing as Epstein blew out candles on a birthday cake at the financier’s Paris apartment.
Epstein’s Claims on Associations With Celebrities Questioned
An accuser of Epstein testified in a deposition that the financier often boasted about knowing high-profile movie stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett. However, the accuser described these statements as likely exaggerated boasting rather than honest claims.
“That was Cate Blanchett, or Bruce Willis.”
— Johanna Sjoberg, Epstein accuser
When questioned about these celebrity connections, Sjoberg clarified that she had never met Blanchett or DiCaprio herself. A lawyer asked, “So name-dropping?” to which she responded, “Yes.”
Both Leonardo DiCaprio’s and Cate Blanchett’s representatives have denied any contact or calls with Epstein. Leonardo DiCaprio’s representative specifically rejected claims of any phone conversations between the actor and Epstein.
Lord Mandelson Reflects on His Relationship with Epstein
Following the disclosure of these files, Lord Mandelson expressed regret over his continued contact with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. He told The Times he now sees Epstein as a “master manipulator” and acknowledged the victims fully understood Epstein’s criminal acts during his lifetime.
He stated:
“He was a master manipulator. I can see that now. But the point is that his victims certainly did know what he was doing.”
Mandelson downplayed the impact of his past emails with Epstein by remarking:
“Hiding under a rock would be a disproportionate response to a handful of misguided historical emails, which I deeply regret sending. If it hadn’t been for the emails, I’d still be in Washington. Emails sent all those years ago didn’t change the relationship that I had with this monster.”
When asked about whether he would provide information to Congress, Mandelson said:
“There is nothing I can tell Congress about Epstein they don’t already know. I had no exposure to the criminal aspects of his life.”
On the knowledge of Downing Street regarding his Epstein connections, he noted:
“I understand being surprised by what they learnt, but quite honestly I too am amazed by some of the conversations I had and areas of my life where I was seeking advice from Epstein.”
Speaking about Epstein’s lasting impression, Mandelson compared him to
“muck that you can’t get off your shoe,”
emphasizing,
“Like dog muck, the smell never goes away.”
Political Fallout and Government Scrutiny
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has demanded an investigation by the Cabinet Office into the unauthorized release of documents exposing sensitive government discussions during the financial crisis. Brown described the disclosure as “wholly unacceptable” and attacked the leaks relating to his administration’s handling of the Credit Crunch.
The case has intensified pressure on Parliament and authorities to examine misconduct claims associated with Lord Mandelson and to consider reforming oversight to prevent peers with questionable links from retaining privileges.
Despite the mounting evidence and intense political pressure, Mandelson has consistently denied any sexual misconduct or awareness of Epstein’s criminal activities. He was removed from his role as UK ambassador to the United States last year due to his links with Epstein but maintains his innocence regarding any wrongdoing beyond his personal association.
Implications for Leonardo DiCaprio Advertising Jobs and Broader Scandal
This newly revealed attempt by Epstein to involve Leonardo DiCaprio in advertising jobs overseas adds another dimension to the financier’s network and his efforts to leverage high-profile connections for financial gain. While DiCaprio’s representatives have firmly denied any meaningful contact, the files highlight how Epstein sought to create commercial opportunities connecting celebrities and foreign markets.
The broader scandal continues to unravel, with ramifications expected both within UK politics and across international perceptions of Epstein’s associates. The inquiry into Lord Mandelson’s role could set precedents for how peers are held accountable and how connections to controversial figures are managed in public office going forward.
As law enforcement and parliamentary bodies continue probing Epstein’s extensive contacts, the possibility of further disclosures remains high, amplifying concerns about transparency, ethical governance, and protection of vulnerable individuals.
