‘Recent reporting has created a distraction,’ Brad Karp said.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison said on Feb. 4 that its chairman has resigned, after emails he exchanged with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were made public.
Brad Karp decided to step down, the firm, known as Paul Weiss, said in a statement.
“Leading Paul, Weiss for the past 18 years has been the honor of my professional life,” Karp said. “Recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests of the firm.”
The Department of Justice in January released millions of pages of emails Epstein sent and received, including some exchanged with Karp.
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Karp, who has chaired Paul Weiss since 2008, attended dinners with Epstein and sought his help in getting his son a job with a Woody Allen film production, according to emails that were released by the government.
In one 2015 missive, Karp wrote with his company address to Epstein, thanking him profusely for hosting him.
“Jeffrey, I can’t thank you enough for including me in an evening I’ll never forget,” he said. “It was truly ‘once in a lifetime’ in every way, though I hope to be invited again. You are an extraordinary host – and your home….!!!”
Another exchange happened in early 2019.
Paul Weiss had said earlier in the week that Karp regretted his interactions with Epstein.
Epstein was charged in July 2019 with sex trafficking of minors. He died in prison while awaiting trial on the charges.
Other Developments
Other people who had email interactions with Epstein have stepped down from positions in the wake of the new release.
Peter Mandelson, the UK’s former ambassador to the United States, resigned as a lawmaker after an initial review by the Cabinet Office indicated Mandelson had passed on information that was “likely market-sensitive” to Epstein. British police are investigating Mandelson, who has not responded to requests for comment.
Peter Attia, a longevity expert, resigned as chief science officer from David Protein, the company’s founder said.
“We remain focused on serving our customers,” Peter Rahal, the founder, wrote on X.
