Pal Planned to Expose Epstein. Then Epstein Found Out
A document that was included in the US Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, photographed Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, shows a photo of Epstein on an inmate report from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)
Federal records obtained by the Wall Street Journal indicate that Jeffrey Epstein may have been close to exposure years earlier—through one of his own associates. Journal reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Caitlin Ostroff report that French modeling scout Jean‑Luc Brunel was quietly negotiating in 2016 to cooperate with New York prosecutors and attorneys for Epstein’s victims. Brunel reportedly offered to confirm that he had recruited girls for Epstein and held compromising photographs. Notes from a federal prosecutor suggest Brunel, fearing prosecution, was prepared to enter the U.S. Attorney’s Office in exchange for immunity—before abruptly breaking off contact.
The documents also indicate Epstein quickly learned of Brunel’s intent and emailed attorney Kathy Ruemmler—who has since resigned from Goldman Sachs—about a $3 million payment request aimed at keeping Brunel silent. Prosecutors, briefed on Epstein’s alleged trafficking network and co-conspirators including Brunel and Ghislaine Maxwell, did not pursue charges at that time. Lawyers for victims say the inaction allowed dozens more girls to be abused.
Brunel was arrested in France in 2020 and died in custody in 2022. For the full timeline, documents, and details on prosecutors’ next steps, see the Journal’s investigation.
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