Jeffrey Epstein denied he was the “devil” during a video interview included in latest U.S. authorities’ trove of documents. The approximately two-hour recording, filmed in his New York home on an unknown date, featured President Donald Trump’s former adviser Steve Bannon as the interviewer.
In the interview, Bannon asked Epstein whether he thought himself to be the “devil himself,” a label that would have indicated he was at the pinnacle of sexual predators. Epstein responded with a smile, wearing a black shirt and glasses: “No, but I do have a good mirror.” When confronted again about his conviction as a convicted sex offender who died in prison awaiting trial for sex trafficking of underage girls, Epstein said, “I don’t know. Why would you say that?”
Epstein, who pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl in 2008, also appeared to downplay the seriousness of his conviction. He opposed Bannon labeling him a “class three sexual predator,” which signifies the highest level of threat to public safety according to U.S. classification.
“I am the lowest,” Epstein said. When asked if he considered himself a criminal, Epstein confirmed with a nod: “Yes.”
Bannon further inquired about Epstein’s perspective on his wealth and whether it was “dirty.” Having advised some of the world’s worst people, Epstein responded that he earned his money legally but acknowledged ethics as a complicated subject. He attempted to justify his earnings by claiming he gave cash to help eradicate polio.
Documents show that Bannon had regular correspondence with Epstein, who suggested helping the far-right political figure spread conservative ideology in Europe. Since President Trump took office in January 2025, millions of pages on Epstein and related photos/videos have been released by U.S. authorities, revealing his connections to top business executives such as Bill Gates, celebrities like filmmaker Woody Allen, and academics and politicians, including Trump and former president Bill Clinton.