Bombshell: Major modeling exec accused of connecting Epstein with young women

Faith Kates, founder of Next Management, one of the modeling industry's most powerful agencies, maintained a nearly 40-year friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and used her position to introduce him to models on her roster, according to a Guardian investigation based on newly released Department of Justice files.

The documents contain over 5,000 references to Kates. Email exchanges reveal a relationship far deeper than previously reported—one involving secret business dealings, undisclosed financial arrangements, and what appears to be a deliberate effort to connect young women from her agency to a convicted sex offender.

Kates stepped down from Next Management in November, weeks before the Epstein files became public. She cited a desire to focus on charitable work.

In 2011, Epstein sent Kates a numbered list of women's names. She responded within hours: "I can get 2 that's what you asked me for stand by."

Model Stacey Williams reported that Kates introduced her to Epstein at an agency dinner in 1992, then facilitated another meeting at a Trump Plaza event. Williams subsequently had a relationship with Epstein involving non-consensual acts, including an alleged groping incident involving Trump that she believed was part of a deliberate arrangement between the two men.

Barbara Stoyanoff claimed Kates arranged a meeting with Epstein at Next's offices where he allegedly instructed her to remove her clothing for inspection. Sena Cech was sent to Epstein's residence with his address written on a Post-it note when she was 20 years old.

Sara Ziff, now director of Model Alliance, believes Next provided Epstein with her home address when she was in her late teens. Epstein subsequently sent her correspondence offering to fund her education at the New School.

Beginning in 2015, Epstein offered Kates a secret $6 million loan to acquire Next's remaining shares from Golden Gate Capital, with explicit instructions that his involvement remain concealed. He provided strategic guidance on negotiations and drafted communication templates for her use. Golden Gate later confirmed that Epstein's role had been deliberately hidden throughout the transaction.

Around 2010, Epstein proposed purchasing a $5 million property for Kates and her family. Subsequent emails show Kates pressing him urgently to proceed, writing: "I need to talk to u today as I don't want to loose this apt it is perfect for me and my family...and my kids are excited!!!"

Epstein donated $50,000 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, where Kates served as president, and provided her with luxury gifts including a Prada handbag and a $12,000 stove.

As public allegations against Epstein accumulated, Kates defended him. She suggested accusers were motivated by financial gain and advised him to maintain a low profile while making strategic charitable contributions.

The correspondence continued through 2017—years after Epstein's 2009 conviction, years into mounting allegations of sexual abuse. Kates and Epstein continued discussing models, exchanging physical measurements and photographs.

Next Management has distanced itself from its founder, claiming her relationship with Epstein was unknown to company leadership and that her actions were unauthorized. The agency said it is working to terminate all ties with Kates.

Kates' attorney maintains she never endangered models and that Epstein manipulated those around him.

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