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Recently released documents reveal that the convicted sex offender and his collaborators strived to minimize unfavorable press and rebuild his public persona in the period after his 2008 criminal conviction to state allegations of solicitation of prostitution with a underage individual.

Coordinated Image Restoration Efforts

The records, among 20,000 files released by GOP members of the House oversight committee, feature electronic correspondence and memos that show a systematic strategy to manipulate online search results and media professionals, and restore Epstein's public image.

Internet Image Control Campaign

In December 2010, Epstein, who had been released from jail in July 2009, exchanged a series of emails with Al Seckel, referred to as an eccentric art collector who was helping oversee Epstein's online presence.

"Online visibility is problematic," Epstein wrote on 11 December. "After sept when you said you thought it would take approximately twenty thousand to clean up and with luck in time for Nov 1, then a further 10,000, and yet another $10,000 and your emails about how you are dedicated to success."

Seckel shared Epstein captures of the first page of Google search results for Epstein's identity, telling the businessman that a particular media story was removed from the rankings, and that "remaining articles, featuring the influential HuffPost, are soon to be eliminated."

Wikipedia Changes

Seckel further stated that "toxic suggested search engine terms that appeared automated when you searched your name" had likewise been removed.

In the correspondence, Seckel celebrated what he termed an "major victory" when it involved Epstein's Wikipedia entry. "Article titles do no longer mention convicted sex offender or sex criminal," he wrote, "conversely, Philanthropic work, charitable organization, Promotion of Research."

"online biography currently is pretty tame," he claimed, noting that "negative information has been downplayed" and pushed to the end. "We altered the page to swap the mug shot and description, and now has an entirely different image and text," he added. "This represented a major achievement."

Press Manipulation Efforts

The files further show aides making efforts to control press reporting. In spring 2011, a NYC communications expert corresponded to Epstein saying that a journalist was developing a feature about him, centered around Epstein's "return in the city after your earlier problems."

"If you engage my services I believe that I can influence this story on your behalf," the communications expert stated. "That does not mean I can dictate it completely or that they would reference past difficulties. Nonetheless, I can assure you that the story will be even-handed and that your perspective will be portrayed appropriately."

The publicist recommended arranging discussions with contacts who "have seen the positive aspects that you have done in business, science, and humanitarianism."

Public Relations Plan

A June 2011 memorandum from a communications company, entitled "Matters of Standing", appears to have been put together for Epstein and details a plan to repair his public persona.

The report recommends reducing any appearances in the gossip media, restoring "your standing" in chosen press, political and humanitarian circles, establishing "Epstein as a pioneering backer of technology and innovation" and proposes conducting "a particular regular function which brings together your business and charitable endeavors."

Online Optimization

The agency further suggested a "optimization" of online visibility on "each primary online services where your name is included in a internet query", labeling it as an "immediate priority."

The company further advised connecting with "leading editors and journalists", specifically "established commercial and business journalists."

Further Image Management Efforts

In mid-2011, Epstein emailed a well-known PR professional encouraging her to approach a media executive to enlist a leading media organization to examine matters concerning one of Epstein's primary alleged victims.

In the correspondence, Epstein wrote that the media executive "could advocate the problems of incorrect accusations" and "send a reporter or reporters to examine" the person. "Certain influential groups would love it," he wrote.

The publicist responded that "in the event that you rewrite your previous correspondence in better wording (and so I have a improved grasp) I can forward and forward it." Epstein responded with a rewrite.

In a later comment, the PR professional told media outlets that she never forwarded Epstein's edited correspondence and had "no reason to contact" the media executive.

"This was preposterous for him to think that I would engage in his idiotic nefarious matters and jeopardize my good relationship," the communications expert said, noting that she had a business connection with the media executive.

The communications expert further described Epstein as "completely delusional" and operating in his "personal delusion of a situation that centered on him as he always believed he was the {