Epstein eyed record label investment to access women, files suggest
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jeffrey Epstein considered investing in EMI Records—a major player in the music industry—at the suggestion of his associate David Stern, who believed it could provide access to women. In emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Stern referred to "P," a term Epstein used to signify women, and suggested that EMI's connections might offer opportunities for Epstein to exploit this dynamic. Epstein expressed interest in the investment and even mentioned involving Tommy Mottola, former CEO of Sony Music, to manage the deal. However, the proposed investment did not materialize, with EMI eventually being acquired by Universal Music in 2012.
Stern's communications reveal a pattern of using coded language to discuss women, rating events based on their potential for "P" access, and making birthday wishes like "lots of P." Epstein also appeared keen to leverage his connections in the music industry, reaching out to Lord Mandelson—a high-ranking British politician—for assistance with the EMI deal. Although Mandelson did not respond directly to requests for comment, Epstein's emails suggest he was considering involving him in early discussions.
The broader context of Epstein's business dealings shows a pattern of leveraging his wealth and connections to gain access to influential circles. Beyond EMI, he explored other ventures, including model agencies and fashion-related businesses, which also did not come to fruition. These efforts highlight Epstein's tendency to exploit opportunities for personal gain, raising questions about the ethical standards of those who associated with him in both the entertainment and political worlds.
This story underscores the unsettling reality of Epstein's modus operandi—using his financial influence to create opportunities for inappropriate access. His attempted manipulation of EMI Records, alongside other ventures, reflects a broader pattern of behavior that intertwined power, money, and questionable intentions. For readers interested
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026