Photographer Christopher Anderson Recalls Intimidating Encounter with Jeffrey Epstein
In a revealing new interview, acclaimed photojournalist Christopher Anderson has shared chilling details of his 2015 assignment to photograph the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein for New York magazine. Anderson, whose name appears in the recently released Epstein files, described the experience as unnerving, marked by intimidation tactics and a demand for photo rights.
Unsettling Assignment and Intimidation Tactics
Anderson admits he was unaware of Epstein's criminal past when assigned the job, knowing only that Epstein was a wealthy and powerful figure connected to other influential men. Epstein insisted on an advance meeting, which Anderson believes was to assess him and negotiate buying the photo rights for $20,000. He played with the theatrics of intimidation, Anderson recalls, noting Epstein's efforts to portray himself as someone not to be crossed.
The shoot took place at Epstein's New York City home, where Anderson observed eerie details like a stuffed tiger and a young woman with an Eastern European accent setting up a massage table. After the magazine article fell through, Epstein demanded the photos, leading to email exchanges with his secretary, Lesley Groff, now part of the 3.5 million pages released by the US Department of Justice.
Mafia-Style Confrontation and Rediscovered Images
The situation escalated when Epstein sent a man named Merwin to Anderson's studio. It was very mafia-esque, Anderson says, describing Merwin as large with black leather-gloved hands, sent to intimidate him and secure the hard drive. Recently, Anderson rediscovered copies of the photos on another hard drive, including one showing a printed email about unpaid staff wages linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, suggesting they sought Epstein's help.
These images are featured in Anderson's new book, Index, which spans 30 years of his work, from conflict zones in Haiti and Afghanistan to street photography in China and portraits of Donald Trump's inner circle. Anderson reflects, I wish I'd made a lot more now, acknowledging the historical significance of the Epstein photos.
Career and Ethical Reflections
Born in 1970 in Kelowna, Canada, and raised in Texas, Anderson gained fame with his 1999 photos of Haitian refugees, earning the Robert Capa Gold Medal and leading to work in Afghanistan, Gaza, Lebanon, and Iraq. Now based in Paris, he balances celebrity portraits with personal projects. When asked if he would photograph Epstein today, knowing his crimes, Anderson affirms, Yes, I would take that assignment, citing his responsibility to reveal truths through photography.
Index by Christopher Anderson is published by Stanley/Barker, offering a compelling look at his diverse and impactful career.
