Jes Staley, who led Barclays from 2015 to 2021, was questioned about an email exchange with Jeffrey Epstein that referenced Disney princesses. The exchange, which has been described by some as an apparent inside joke, reportedly included a reference to a woman dressed as Snow White. The former banking executive flatly denied the claim during the interview, the transcript of which was made public on Thursday.
The committee's investigation into Epstein, who died in a New York jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, has drawn attention to his decades-long relationships with high-profile figures in finance, politics, and entertainment. Staley, a former JPMorgan banker, had a professional relationship with Epstein stretching back to the 1990s, a connection that ultimately contributed to his departure from Barclays.
During his five-year tenure at the helm of the British bank, Staley faced repeated questions about the extent of his ties to Epstein. After Epstein's arrest in July 2019, UK regulators launched a formal inquiry into whether Staley had misled them about the nature of his relationship. Staley resigned in November 2021, with Barclays stating at the time that the board had concluded it was appropriate for him to step down based on the preliminary findings of the Financial Conduct Authority's investigation.
The release of the transcript provides a rare glimpse into the committee's line of questioning, which has largely been conducted out of public view. The now-public transcript reveals that lawmakers pressed Staley on specific communications and events, including the Snow White reference. Staley's legal team has previously maintained that his relationship with Epstein was limited to legitimate professional interactions and that any inappropriate suggestions are unfounded.
The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Representative James Comer (R-Ky.), has been investigating Epstein's network for several years, interviewing dozens of associates and issuing subpoenas for financial records. The committee's work has been bipartisan, with both Republicans and Democrats involved in the questioning.
Staley's denial is consistent with his previous public statements. In a 2020 interview with the BBC, he acknowledged having corresponded with Epstein but said he had no knowledge of his criminal activities. 'I deeply regret ever having any contact with Jeffrey Epstein,' Staley said at the time.
The transcript does not indicate any charges or formal allegations against Staley arising from the committee's investigation. However, the release is likely to renew scrutiny of the financial industry's connections to Epstein and the steps taken by regulators and firms to prevent future associations with individuals linked to sex trafficking.