Inside the model agency emails that sent girls to Epstein

Newly released U.S. Department of Justice documents have thrust the modeling world into fresh scrutiny. These Epstein emails, part of Jeffrey Epstein's vast files, detail a decades-long friendship between Epstein and Faith Kates, co-founder of Next Management. They reveal her offers of support after his 2009 conviction, introductions of models to him, and business consultations right up to 2019.

This matters now amid ongoing reckonings with Epstein's network, especially in New York's fashion scene. With echoes of #MeToo, the Epstein emails highlight vulnerabilities in an industry built on elite connections. Kates' abrupt retirement in 2025 followed the resurfacing of these ties, prompting calls for deeper investigations into modeling's dark underbelly.

Faith Kates' rise

Faith Kates entered the modeling industry in the late 1980s, quickly establishing herself as a powerhouse agent. She co-founded Next Management in 1989, turning it into a go-to agency for emerging talent. Her network spanned New York's fashion elite, scouting stars who would grace major runways and campaigns.

By the 1990s, Next represented high-profile models like Kate Upton and Karlie Kloss. Kates' hands-on approach built the agency's reputation for nurturing careers. Yet, her personal connections extended beyond professional circles, intersecting with figures outside the fashion world.

This foundation set the stage for deeper entanglements. Kates' longevity in the industry, spanning over three decades, made her a fixture in modeling's power structures. Her story now underscores how personal relationships can blur ethical lines in high-stakes environments.

Next Management origins

Next Management launched in 1989, co-founded by Kates, Jean-Luc Brunel, and Joel Wilkenfeld. The agency aimed to rival established players by focusing on international talent scouting. It quickly gained traction in New York, becoming synonymous with fresh faces in fashion weeks and editorials.

Brunel's involvement later drew scrutiny due to his own Epstein associations. Despite this, Next thrived, signing models who became household names. The agency's structure emphasized global reach, with offices in major cities facilitating cross-continental opportunities.

Over the years, Next's success masked underlying issues. Its growth reflected the modeling industry's competitive nature, where alliances often determined access and influence. This backdrop frames the revelations about Kates' external ties.

Epstein connection emerges

Jeffrey Epstein entered Kates' orbit in the early 1990s through mutual contacts in elite circles. Their friendship developed over shared interests in business and networking. Emails show casual exchanges evolving into more substantive interactions, blending personal and professional elements.

By the 2000s, Epstein frequented Next's New York offices. He scheduled meetings there, sometimes involving models. This proximity raised questions about the nature of their relationship, especially given Epstein's later convictions.

The Epstein emails paint a picture of sustained engagement. They document how Epstein positioned himself as a benefactor, offering advice and resources. This dynamic persisted, even as public awareness of his actions grew.

Post-2009 conviction support

After Epstein's 2009 conviction for soliciting a minor, Kates extended unwavering loyalty. Emails from July 2009 reveal her declaring unconditional friendship, promising to always be there. This support came at a time when many distanced themselves from him.

Subsequent messages show her checking in regularly, expressing concern for his well-being. In September 2009, she wrote of thinking of him often and sending prayers. These communications highlight a personal bond that endured legal fallout.

Such loyalty contrasted with the industry's emerging awareness of exploitation risks. Kates' stance, as detailed in the Epstein emails, now prompts reflection on accountability in professional networks. It illustrates how personal allegiances can overshadow ethical considerations.

Introducing models to Epstein

Emails indicate Kates facilitated introductions between Epstein and models from Next's roster. In 2011, she responded to his request for names, offering to provide two as specified. This practice spanned years, with some models later recounting uncomfortable encounters.

One example involves Stacey Williams, introduced in 1992, who described non-consensual acts. While no direct abuse allegations target Kates, the pattern suggests a role in connecting Epstein to young women. These revelations expose vulnerabilities in agency-model dynamics.

The Epstein emails detail multiple instances of such referrals. They underscore how trust in agents can lead to risky situations. Empathy for affected models drives calls for systemic changes in the industry.

Business advice and loans

Epstein provided Kates with business guidance, including on agency buyouts. In 2015, he offered a secret $6 million loan to repurchase Next from Golden Gate Capital. His accountant, Richard Kahn, advised on the deal, though it ultimately excluded Epstein's involvement.

Emails show Kates seeking Epstein's input on real estate, like a $5 million property in 2010. She expressed urgency in not wanting to lose the opportunity, highlighting reliance on his resources. This financial intertwining deepened their association.

These dealings reveal how Epstein's influence extended into legitimate business realms. The disclosures emphasize the blurred lines between friendship and opportunism, affecting perceptions of Kates' professional decisions.

Continued contact until 2019

Communication between Kates and Epstein persisted into 2019, weeks before his arrest. Emails from this period maintain a friendly tone, with Kates offering support. This longevity surprises many, given the public scrutiny Epstein faced.

DOJ files reference Kates over 5,000 times, illustrating the depth of their exchanges. Meetings at Next's offices continued in the 2010s, blending social and business elements. Such persistence raises questions about awareness and judgment.

The timeline in the Epstein emails shows no break despite mounting allegations. It highlights the challenges of severing ties in entrenched relationships, especially in elite networks where influence lingers.

Retirement in 2025

Kates announced her retirement on November 24, 2025, via email, citing 36 years in the industry. This came shortly after earlier Epstein files resurfaced, timing that drew immediate attention. She described starting Next by accident and deciding it was the right moment to step back.

Next Management responded by disavowing knowledge of her Epstein ties. Executives claimed the relationship was completely unknown, and they worked to sever any remaining links. This move aimed to protect the agency's reputation amid fallout.

The announcement followed advocacy pressure, including from the Model Alliance. It marks a pivotal shift, reflecting broader industry efforts to address historical oversights and rebuild trust.

Industry fallout and calls

The Model Alliance amplified the story, noting Kates' retirement timing after their statements. They urged investigations by the New York Attorney General and lawmakers into modeling's Epstein connections. This push echoes #MeToo demands for accountability.

Models like Sara Ziff shared experiences, highlighting systemic issues. While Kates denies wrongdoing, attributing manipulation to Epstein, the revelations fuel discussions on agency responsibilities. Empathy remains with those potentially harmed.

Next's statement emphasizes separation from past associations. The broader impact includes renewed focus on model safety protocols, aiming to prevent future exploitations in fashion's high-pressure world.

Lessons from the revelations

These Epstein emails expose the hidden intersections of power, friendship, and exploitation in modeling, urging a reevaluation of industry safeguards. Going forward, they signal a push for transparency and protections, ensuring elite networks no longer shield harmful behaviors while honoring the resilience of those affected.