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Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been mentioned in the latest tranche of the Epstein files, after his name appeared in several emails from the late sex offender and others.
They concerned a dinner Jeffrey Epstein seemingly arranged for Zuma in London in 2010, which the emails suggest was also attended by a “beautiful” Russian model.
Being named among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has described stories about the emails as “agenda-driven journalism built on innuendo” and “guilt by association”, adding that there was no “unlawful or improper conduct” by the former president.
The email chain about the dinner contained in the Epstein files is as follows.
An email from 4 March 2010, from someone arranging the dinner to a possible guest and copying in Epstein, says:
“I am a friend of Jeffrey Epstein and I have been asked to help arrange a small dinner tomorrow night for President Jacob Zuma of South Africa at the Ritz Hotel at 7:00pm tomorrow evening.
“Jeffrey suggested that I invite you, as you would be certain to add some real glamour to the occasion. A friend of Jeffrey’s is a friend of mine, so I have no hesitation inviting you to join us.
“If you are not put off by the extremely short notice and would be able to accept, can you let me have a little more information about yourself as well as your full name (as I have to present the President with a summary of the guests in advance).”
The person then responded – also copying in Epstein – saying:
“It is very kind of you and Jeffrey to invite me and I will be honored to accept your invitation. About myself: my name is (redacted). I’m from Russia and I have lived in London for the past 2 years. I am a model, represented by Select model agency. I have been modeling for the past 6 years and have lived in Paris, New York, Barcelona and Japan. Please let me know if you need any other information.
“Will it be a black tie event or is a sleeveless cocktail dress ok?”
In a separate email about the dinner, Epstein contacted British politician Lord Peter Mandelson, saying the host “is having dinner for zuma tomorrow night at the ritz„ i have invited a beautiful russina named (redacted) to attend”.
A response from Lord Mandelson is not recorded.
On 6 March, Epstein sent an email to an unknown person and received a reply the next day:
“Jeffrey, (name redacted) was a delight last night and enchanted all those she met. Her beauty apart, she displayed an elegance and natural charm that is a rare combination to find anywhere these days. So a very big thank you for the introduction…. By the way, Jacob Zuma was much more impressive and engaging than I thought he would be!”
The BBC contacted the Jacob Zuma Foundation for comment, and was referred to a statement issued to South African media outlet Daily Maverick.
This said: “The so-called ‘revelation’ published by Daily Maverick is a textbook example of agenda-driven journalism built on innuendo, third-party emails and retrospective guilt by association.
“At no point does the article allege, let alone establish, any unlawful or improper conduct by Jacob Zuma.
“The attempt to smear President Zuma by proximity to the unrelated crimes of a third party is unethical, irresponsible and intellectually dishonest.
“The Jacob Zuma Foundation will not participate in speculative narrative-building disguised as investigative journalism. The matter is closed.”
Zuma was on a state visit to the UK visited the UK from 3-5 March 2010.
Epstein, a well-connected US financier and convicted sex offender, was found dead in prison by suicide in 2019 while awaiting a trial on sex trafficking charges.
