File 032250
Email Chain Regarding Patterson Book Publication Strategy and Counter-Narrative (File 032250)
Internal communications between Jeffrey Epstein and his legal team discussing strategy to counter an upcoming James Patterson book, including proposed media engagement and narrative control tactics.
Summary
Michael Wolff advises Jeffrey Epstein on managing the release of a James Patterson book scheduled for August 2016. Wolff recommends an immediate counter-narrative strategy, suggesting Epstein use political commentary (particularly anti-Trump messaging) to redirect attention and gain political cover. The email proposes specific tactics including op-eds, high-profile television interviews, and social media efforts. Wolff also outlines legal concerns regarding the book's authorship, noting that John Connolly is the actual author and researcher while Patterson holds only a consulting role, and suggests these ethical issues be raised with the publisher.
From: Martin G. WeinbergSent: 3/18/2016 4:30:13 PMTo: 'effre E. 'eeyacation@gmail.com]; Kathy Ruemmler_______________________________; Darren IndykeSubject: ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGEImportance: HighPrivileged - RedactedFrom: jeffrey E.Sent: Friday, March 18, 2016 11:41 AMTo: Martin Weinberg ; Kathy Ruemmler; Darren IndykeSubject: Fwd: Patterson----------Forwarded messageFrom: Michael WolffDate: Fri, Mar 18, 2016 at 11:39 AMSubject: PattersonTo: Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation@gmail.com>A few things to think about:If the Patterson book is being published in August, that presents some time frame issues. You would not beable to do a competing book or documentary before then. This is not to say that they shouldn't be pursued. Ina sense, better that they know what Patterson's position is and, a year from now say, be able to counter it. Ihave some thoughts on book and doc to share at your convenience.That being said, you do need an immediate counter narrative to the book. I believe Trump offers an idealopportunity. It's a chance to make the story about something other than you, while, at the same time, lettingyou frame your own story. Also, becoming an anti-Trump voice gives you a certain political cover which youdecidedly don't have now. Still, this necessary involves you going public. And so the most basic decision isabout your willingness to do that. My view is that in a couple of weeks you could master message andtechnical proficiency. I know a bunch of people who could be very helpful here. This would involve somethingalong the lines of you writing an op-ed, doing a high profile television interview (Charlie Rose, I'd say), andperhaps some social media efforts.Speaking of which, again, I think a strategic plan, involving your public identity, philanthropic activities andinterests, and the development of media allies, ought finally to be put in place. A big, comprehensive,expensive effort.The alternative is to continue to keep head down and hope Patterson book is just more he-said she-said andConnolly getting lost in the reeds (which, as an inveterate conspiracist, he always does). My worry is thatPatterson can be counted on to produce a bestseller, and while he isn't regarded as a serious writer, he'llsurely be unloading a lot of tabloid copy. Because this will be tied to the election, the Trump-Clinton angle willHOUSE OVERSIGHT 032250amp up the attention 10-fold, in fact, possibly, a hundred fold. Possibly more than anything you'veencountered before.Meanwhile--In a lawyer's letter, I'd suggest including the following points--not necessarily legal, but a warning about how apress campaign might unfold (publishers are more worried about being caught in negative media controversythan they are of legal threats):1) Little, Brown has made on the record representations to at least one well-known journalist that it was notpublishing a book by James Patterson about Jeffrey Epstein--possibly an effort to avoid inquiries about thequestionable nature of the book;2) The actual author of the book, John Connolly, is someone other than the stated author, James Patterson.Connolly is known to have developed an obsession with Epstein, such that, his longtime employer, Vanity Fair,has refused to allow him to write about Epstein for the magazine;3) Sources have confirmed for us that Patterson has had little more than a minimal consulting role in the book,and that Connolly has functioned in every material way as the book's researcher and writer. We believePatterson's "authorship" of the book will not stand up to scrutiny. And, indeed, that the entire notion of anextension of the Patterson franchise into nonfiction, as it has been used in fiction and children's book--effectively other authors writing under the Patterson name—presents a host of journalism ethical issues.please noteThe information contained in this communication isconfidential, may be attorney-client privileged, mayconstitute inside information, and is intended only forthe use of the addressee. It is the property ofJEEUnauthorized use, disclosure or copying of thiscommunication or any part thereof is strictly prohibitedand may be unlawful. If you have received thiscommunication in error, please notify us immediately byreturn e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, anddestroy this communication and all copies thereof,including all attachments. copyright -all rights reservedHOUSE OVERSIGHT 032251