Epstein Urged Media Mogul Zuckerman to Cede Control Citing 'Potentially Dangerous' Health

Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, urged Canadian-American media and real estate mogul Mortimer Zuckerman to give up control of his financial affairs. Epstein cited Zuckerman's "potentially dangerous" cognitive impairment as the reason for his concern.

In an email from October 2015, Epstein suggested that Zuckerman enter a guardianship or conservatorship for his own protection. He expressed concern for Zuckerman's "financial, emotional, physical, and psychological safety", stating that his friends, including himself, were worried about the mogul's well-being.

Epstein proposed that Zuckerman grant authority to manage his affairs to Terje Rod-Larsen, a Norwegian diplomat, Zuckerman's nephews, and "anyone else you trust." He emphasized that Zuckerman's "remarkable abilities" were no longer sufficient to protect him.

Zuckerman, the owner and publisher of US News & World Report, appeared to take Epstein's advice seriously, thanking him for his "thoughtfulness and friendship" and seeking recommendations for a lawyer with experience in such matters.

Epstein also discussed Zuckerman's health with his nephew, Eric Gertler, advising him to oversee the sale of Zuckerman's stocks, art collection, helicopter, and plane. It is unclear if Zuckerman followed Epstein's advice.

Zuckerman announced his step down as chairman of Boston Properties about six months after his correspondence with Epstein, but did not cite any health concerns at the time.