Bannon Defends Ties with Epstein After Docs Release

(MENAFN) Steve Bannon, the former White House strategist and prominent MAGA figure, has defended his extensive interactions with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying they were related to efforts to produce a documentary.

The remarks follow the release of millions of pages of documents linked to Epstein by US authorities, which indicate a closer relationship between Bannon – an adviser to President Donald Trump – and the financier who died in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019.

According to reports, Bannon’s name appears frequently in Epstein’s emails during the six months leading up to Epstein’s arrest on sex trafficking charges in July 2019. In one April 2019 message, Bannon advised Epstein on improving his public image: “First we need to push back on the lies; then crush the pedo/trafficking narrative; then rebuild your image as philanthropist.”

The documents also suggest Epstein offered Bannon a variety of perks, including private jet travel, stays at his Manhattan townhouse, and medical services. While a spokesman for Bannon denied that he used the jet or received medical care, records indicate he stayed at Epstein’s Paris apartment at least once in March 2019.

Bannon emphasized that his interactions were purely professional, stating: “I am a filmmaker and TV host with decades of experience interviewing controversial figures,” framing the communications as part of his media work rather than personal engagement.

MENAFN17022026000045017281ID1110751981