A US congressional panel has released a redacted copy of an alleged birthday book given to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 celebrating his fiftieth birthday.
The book was released with a trove of documents that include the late convicted paedophile financier's will and his personal address book, featuring contacts ranging from royalty to celebrities.
The 238-page book includes messages and photos sent by many of Epstein's friends, notably a letter signed with a signature resembling that of US President Donald Trump, who has since denied writing it.
Epstein, a well-connected financier and convicted sex offender, was found dead by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
The House Oversight Committee had issued a legal summons for the executors of Epstein's estate to produce various documents, which resulted in the release of this birthday book along with Epstein's will and contact logs.
This release comes as the Trump administration faced increasing pressure to disclose more information related to Epstein, including from members of Trump’s own base. Trump's connections to Epstein have raised suspicions, although he has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the financier.
The released book features messages from 40 different individuals across categories such as friends and business associates, many of whom have not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Notably, an entry includes a former message from President Bill Clinton, who wrote about Epstein's childlike curiosity. Clinton's office declined to comment on the note's authenticity.
The book's contents also include a hand-written note from Epstein's mother, celebrating his achievements alongside photographs showcasing his life.
The release has triggered accusations of politicization from some lawmakers, with calls for further transparency around Epstein’s network continuing to grow.
