Commerce Secretary Alleges Disturbing Encounter with Epstein During Home Tour

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described a tense and disturbing house meeting with late businessman Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick, who lived next door to Epstein, recounted in a recent podcast how Epstein called him and his wife over for coffee and then showed them his apartment. Their relaxed visit turned strange when they entered a room with a massage table and candles.

Lutnick questioned Epstein how often he employed such a setup, and Epstein answered he had massages “every day.” He added, “And the right kind of massage.” Lutnick called it suggestive. After hearing the comment, Lutnick and his wife discreetly left, vowing never to see Epstein again.

The Commerce Secretary called Epstein “the greatest blackmailer ever” and suggested the massage parlor had a darker aim than relaxing. Lutnick believed Epstein utilized covert video evidence from such sessions to compromise rich acquaintances and negotiate with prosecutors. Lutnick said these beliefs explain how Epstein got a light plea deal in 2008 despite significant allegations.

These assertions contradict a July federal study that found “no credible evidence” that Epstein had a blackmail operation or a secret “client list.” The Justice Department and FBI said their thorough investigation found no evidence Epstein blackmailed notable people. Lutnick’s charges dispute that conclusion and put pressure on Congress and law enforcement to find concealed proof.

After Lutnick’s comments, lawmakers want him to testify before congressional committees. Critics say his revelations could lead to questions about how Epstein avoided harsher charges and whether he has unreleased recordings. Epstein’s impact remains controversial, including how far his influence reached and who was implicated or blackmailed.

Lutnick said his personal interaction left a lasting impact and that he never had economic, social, or humanitarian business with Epstein. He said leaving the interaction was a moment of clarity that made him never want to see Epstein again.

His charges come amid public interest and legislative efforts to release more Epstein inquiry papers. As openness demands grow, Lutnick’s narrative provides a fresh and fascinating perspective to decades-long efforts to comprehend Epstein’s network, activities, and how he used secrets over important persons.

Sources
Reports from Axios, The Daily Beast, NY Post, and related media outlets