A recent release of Epstein files by the Department of Justice has brought filmmaker Mira Nair into the spotlight, revealing her connection to a high-profile afterparty in 2009. Alongside Nair, the mother of democratic socialist politician Zohran Mamdani, several other notable figures, including Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos, were also mentioned in the documents.
The newly uncovered records include an email from publicist Peggy Siegal to Jeffrey Epstein, dated October 21, 2009. This email references an afterparty hosted at the New York home of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later convicted for sex trafficking. The gathering followed a screening of Nair’s biographical drama, Amelia. Siegal wrote in her email, “Just left Ghislaine’s townhouse…after party for film.”
She went on to list several prominent attendees, stating, “Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos were there…Jean Pigozzi, director Mira Nair…etc. Film received tepid reaction though women like it much more…Hillary Swank and [Richard] Gere are at stupid party in Bloomingdales cheap sportswear department…very weird.”
Siegal also provided her take on the film’s reception at the time, commenting, “Film received tepid reaction though women like it much more.” Her email further detailed other celebrity appearances at a separate promotional event, which she described with disdain, stating, “Hillary Swank and [Richard] Gere are at stupid party in Bloomingdales cheap sportswear department…very weird.”
Additionally, she discussed the promotional strategies, noting, “Studio went for free party from store and windows for a month… Going to be in Wall Street 2 tomorrow ….more to come. xoxo Peg.”
In a related note, Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in the sex trafficking crimes associated with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The newly released documents shed light on the extent of the government’s awareness regarding Epstein’s abuse of young girls.
These files were previously withheld from a December release and were finally made public on January 30, in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The latest documents also include correspondence with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, among other associates of Epstein.