File 032858
Email Chain on James Patterson Book Counter-Strategy and Media Campaign (File 032858)
Email correspondence between Jeffrey Epstein, Kathy Ruemmler, and Michael Wolff discussing strategy for countering a forthcoming James Patterson book about Epstein, including plans for media appearances and public relations efforts.
Summary
Michael Wolff advises Jeffrey Epstein on developing a counter-narrative to an upcoming James Patterson book scheduled for August publication. Wolff recommends Epstein pursue media appearances, including a Charlie Rose television interview, op-ed writing, and strategic political positioning as an anti-Trump voice to gain political cover. He also outlines concerns about the Patterson book's true authorship by John Connolly rather than Patterson himself, and suggests legal pressure tactics targeting the publisher Little, Brown regarding the book's authorship and journalism ethics.
From: jeffrey E. [jeeyacation@gmail.com]Sent: 3/18/2016 4:18:52 PMTo: Kathy RuemmlerSubject: Re: PattersonNutsOn Friday, 18 March 2016, Kathy Ruemmler <__________________________> wrote:On the shuttle back to NYC. About to take offSent from my iPhoneOn Mar 18, 2016, at 11:41 AM, jeffrey E. <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote:Forwarded messageFrom: Michael Wolff <Date: 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. In asense, better that they know what Patterson's position is and, a year from now say, be able to counter it. I havesome 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'll surelybe unloading a lot of tabloid copy. Because this will be tied to the election, the Trump-Clinton angle will ampup the attention 10-fold, in fact, possibly, a hundred fold. Possibly more than anything you've encounteredbefore.Meanwhile--HOUSE OVERSIGHT 032858In 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, VanityFair, 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 reservedplease 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 thisHOUSE OVERSIGHT 032859communication 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 032860