Newly released Department of Justice documents have brought to light serious allegations against Kathy Ruemmler, the General Counsel of Goldman Sachs, suggesting she engaged in an affair with Reid Weingarten, the attorney who represented convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations come from a fresh tranche of Epstein-related files that continue to expose the extensive network of relationships surrounding the disgraced financier.
The documents, which were made public as part of the ongoing release of Epstein-related files, contain emails from Weingarten's wife, Cheryl Gould, directly addressing Ruemmler about the alleged relationship. In a June 15, 2015 email, Gould wrote: "I hope now=you can find true happiness without having a relationship with someone else's husband… i'm the=kind of woman who loves the sisterhood, not women who sleep with and fall i[n] love with someone else’s husband…"
A second email sent on the same day contained even more direct accusations: "Reid has confessed his sec[r]ets and lies. He has told me that his relationship with you has caused him m[i]sery. Stay away before you manage to destroy him completely. You have no di[g]nity or pride."
According to sources familiar with the situation, the relationship between Ruemmler and Weingarten allegedly began when both individuals were single. The sources claim that Weingarten only confessed his feelings for Ruemmler to his wife after they had already married, leaving Ruemmler surprised and caught off-guard by the confrontational emails. The sources also note that Ruemmler never responded to Gould's messages, and the exact timeline of when the relationship ended remains unclear.
The timeline of Weingarten's marriage to Gould adds another layer of complexity to the story. While the precise date of their wedding is not publicly available, media reports from as early as 2005 referred to the pair as a couple, suggesting a long-term relationship that predates the 2015 emails by at least a decade.
Cheryl Gould is a prominent figure in her own right, having spent nearly four decades as a journalist at NBC. She made history as the first female executive producer of a nightly primetime newscast, establishing herself as a trailblazer in broadcast journalism. Her decision to directly confront Ruemmler via email rather than through private channels suggests a level of frustration and desire for accountability.
Reid Weingarten currently serves as a partner at the law firm Steptoe & Johnson. He became Epstein's primary attorney in 2019 when federal sex-trafficking charges were brought against the disgraced financier. Weingarten continued to represent Epstein's interests even after his client's death in prison that same year. The released emails indicate that Weingarten and Epstein had been communicating about both legal and personal matters for nearly a decade prior to Epstein's death, indicating a deep and longstanding professional relationship.
The document release has also shed new light on the extent of Ruemmler's relationship with Epstein himself. According to the emails, Epstein provided Ruemmler with lavish gifts totaling more than $20,000, including a Hermès handbag, spa treatments, and gift cards from the luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman. In return, Ruemmler reportedly offered Epstein informal advice on managing the fallout from his sex-trafficking case, including assistance drafting public statements and guidance on handling press inquiries related to accuser Virginia Giuffre.
The emails reveal a surprisingly familiar tone between the Goldman Sachs executive and the convicted sex offender. Ruemmler referred to Epstein as "Uncle Jeffrey" in multiple messages and wrote that she "adored" him. The documents suggest they met dozens of times at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse, and there are indications that Ruemmler may have joined him on international trips, though the destinations and purposes of these potential trips remain unclear.
While Ruemmler's connections to Epstein have been publicly known for some time, these newly released documents reveal a deeper level of intimacy in their relationship than previously understood. The affair allegations with Weingarten add another dimension to her involvement with Epstein's inner circle, raising questions about the interconnectedness of personal relationships within Epstein's orbit.
Kathy Ruemmler previously served as White House Counsel under President Barack Obama before transitioning to private practice at the law firm Latham & Watkins. Her current role as General Counsel at Goldman Sachs places her among the most powerful legal executives in corporate America, responsible for overseeing all legal and regulatory matters for one of the world's largest investment banks.
The Department of Justice began releasing millions of pages of Epstein-related documents in January, with the latest tranche exceeding 3 million pages. These releases are part of a broader effort to provide transparency about the Epstein case and the network of relationships surrounding the convicted sex offender. The documents have been gradually unsealed following numerous Freedom of Information Act requests and lawsuits from journalists and victims' advocates.
The revelations raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and the judgment of senior corporate executives who maintained close personal relationships with Epstein despite his controversial history. For Goldman Sachs, one of the world's most prestigious investment banks, the allegations against its top legal officer represent a potential reputational challenge that could affect client relationships, regulatory standing, and public perception.
The story highlights the complex web of personal and professional relationships that surrounded Epstein, extending far beyond his immediate legal team to include influential figures in law, finance, and media. As more documents are released, the full extent of these connections continues to emerge, painting a picture of how Epstein cultivated relationships with powerful individuals across multiple sectors.
Neither Ruemmler, Weingarten, nor Gould have provided public comment on the allegations at the time of this writing. The Goldman Sachs board has not issued any statement regarding the matter, though corporate governance experts suggest the board may need to conduct an internal review to assess any potential impact on the firm's reputation or operations.
The ongoing release of Epstein files promises to reveal further details about the relationships and transactions that enabled Epstein's activities. For now, the emails between Gould and Ruemmler stand as a stark reminder of the personal toll and professional consequences of involvement with one of the most notorious figures in recent American history. The documents serve as evidence of how Epstein's influence permeated elite circles, creating complicated entanglements that continue to unravel years after his death.
Legal ethics experts note that while the alleged affair itself may not constitute professional misconduct, the combination of personal relationships with both Epstein and his attorney could raise questions about judgment and potential conflicts, particularly given Ruemmler's role advising Epstein while receiving gifts from him. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between personal and professional relationships, especially for senior executives at major financial institutions.
Corporate governance specialists point out that Goldman Sachs may face pressure from shareholders and regulators to address the situation publicly. The bank's reputation for integrity and sound judgment in legal matters could be called into question if the allegations are substantiated or if additional concerning details emerge from future document releases.
The Epstein case has already ensnared numerous high-profile individuals, from politicians and academics to business leaders and royalty. Each new revelation adds to the understanding of how Epstein maintained his influence and protected his operations for so long. The inclusion of a senior Goldman Sachs executive in this web of relationships demonstrates the reach of Epstein's network into the highest levels of corporate America.
As the DOJ continues its methodical release of documents, investigators, journalists, and the public remain vigilant for new information that might explain the full scope of Epstein's activities and the complicity of those around him. The story of Ruemmler, Weingarten, and Gould represents just one thread in a much larger tapestry of relationships that enabled Epstein's crimes.
For now, the financial markets have shown little reaction to the news, but the long-term implications for Goldman Sachs and its leadership remain uncertain. The bank's ability to navigate this potential crisis will likely depend on its transparency and the strength of its corporate governance practices.