Faith Kates: the woman who introduced models to ‘dear friend’ Jeffrey Epstein

Faith Kates, who ran Next Management talent agency for decades, introduced women from her agency's roster to Jeffrey Epstein and maintained a close friendship with the convicted sex offender after his 2009 arrest, according to a Guardian investigation. Kates, who represented high-profile models including Alexa Chung, Milla Jovovich, and Billie Eilish, stepped down from the agency in November, weeks before major Epstein files were publicly released, citing a desire to focus on charity work. The investigation reveals that Kates's relationship with Epstein was closer and more enduring than previously known, extending well beyond his 2009 conviction. Her actions raise questions about the modelling industry's oversight and the networks that enabled Epstein's access to vulnerable women. The timing of her departure and the nature of her support for Epstein after his arrest underscore the broader accountability questions surrounding those who facilitated his conduct.