A new wave of documents released by the United States Department of Justice has placed one of the most influential figures in global sports under scrutiny: Todd Boehly, in a development that could link Jeffrey Epstein to senior executives in the sports world.
The co-owner of Chelsea FC and the Los Angeles Lakers appears in a series of emails that suggest the organization of business meetings with Epstein in 2011. The timing of this correspondence is particularly notable because it allegedly occurred three years after the financier had been convicted and imprisoned for sexual offenses.
The email trail and the “Mandelsohn” connection
According to the information revealed, Epstein-who died in prison in 2019-actively sought an introduction to Boehly, who at the time served as a managing partner at Guggenheim Partners. The connection was reportedly facilitated through financial investor David Mitchell and Epstein’s assistant, Lesley Groff.
Records indicate that a meeting was scheduled for January 2011 and that another was discussed for April. By September of that same year, a planned in-person interaction was converted into a conference call. One particular detail that has drawn media attention is an email sent by Mitchell to Boehly with the subject line “Peter Mandelsohn” [sic], a reference to British politician Peter Mandelson, suggesting a discussion about including him in an “Irish situation.”
It is crucial to emphasize that although these interactions occurred after Epstein had already been registered as a sex offender following his 2008 conviction, the emails point exclusively to business-related dealings. There is no evidence or suggestion in the documents that Boehly, 52, had any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s sex trafficking network.
Silence in London and Los Angeles
While another NBA owner mentioned in the files-Josh Harris (Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Commanders)-quickly issued a statement denying any independent relationship and stating that he “sought to avoid” Epstein, Todd Boehly has chosen to remain silent. The Athletic reported that the businessman declined to comment on the matter.
The news carries particular weight given Boehly’s vast sports portfolio. In addition to leading the BlueCo consortium that acquired Chelsea for £4.25 billion in 2022, he owns a 27% stake in the Lakers, a 20% stake in the MLB’s Dodgers, and investments in English cricket. So far, none of the franchises have issued an official statement regarding their owner’s appearance in the case files.
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