Epstein Files Bring Mayor Joharan Mamdani into debate

Following the release of millions of newly disclosed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, New York City Mayor Joharan Mamdani and his mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, have come under renewed public attention.

The documents from the US Department of Justice, made public on January 30, 2026, list Nair’s name, which has drawn attention to Mamdani’s past social engagements. A photograph from 2017 shows Mamdani attending an event hosted by Peggy Siegal, a former Hollywood publicist, alongside actor Daniel Kaluuya and Nair. The gathering was a luncheon honoring Jordan Peele’s film Get Out, held at Manhattan’s Lincoln Restaurant.

While Siegal had previously faced criticism for her social ties to Epstein, no criminal allegations have been made against her. Similarly, the recent DOJ records do not suggest any wrongdoing by Mamdani or Nair.

One document highlights a 2009 email from Siegal to Epstein discussing an after-party for Nair’s film Amelia at Ghislaine Maxwell’s Manhattan townhouse, attended by high-profile figures including former President Bill Clinton and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The records note presence only; no unethical or criminal activity is indicated.

Mira Nair has long been recognized as a respected figure in Manhattan’s elite film circles. Joharan Mamdani currently serves as Mayor of New York City. The newly released documents also include images of numerous other celebrities and public figures, such as Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger.

Since Epstein’s death in 2019 and Ghislaine Maxwell’s 20-year sentence for trafficking, these extensive records have reignited public scrutiny of the social networks linking influential figures to Epstein.