Rape allegation against ex-Barclays CEO Jes Staley was raised in US Epstein investigation | Jeffrey Epstein

Rape allegation against ex-Barclays CEO Jes Staley was raised in US Epstein investigation | Jeffrey Epstein

February 5, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

Newly unsealed documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein reveal US prosecutors reviewed allegations of rape and bodily harm against Jes Staley, the former CEO of Barclays and former head of JP Morgan’s private bank. The allegations stem from incidents reportedly occurring “in or around 2011 or 2012” and involve claims of sexual misconduct during massages.

Serious Allegations Emerge

Multiple documents within the Epstein files detail accusations against Staley, including forcing a woman to touch his genitals during a massage before allegedly raping her. Another allegation describes Staley leaving “bloody marks” on a woman he reportedly called “tinkerbell.” These details are contained within an 86-page internal memo from December 19, 2019, prepared by prosecutors for then US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Geoffrey S Berman.

Investigation and Lack of Charges

The memo summarized interviews with victims, witnesses, and subjects of the investigation into potential co-conspirators of Jeffrey Epstein. However, there is no evidence presented in the documents that prosecutors pursued charges against Staley related to these allegations. Staley has previously denied any wrongdoing and did not respond to requests for comment.

Did You Know? Jeffrey Epstein used “massages” as a method to groom and sexually abuse teenage girls, initially pleading guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in the early 2000s.

Previous Admissions and UK Ban

During a 2025 UK court hearing, Staley admitted to having sex with a member of Epstein’s staff in New York, characterizing the encounter as “consensual” during cross-examination. Despite this admission, Staley has been banned from holding top financial jobs in the UK due to his ties to Epstein. He unsuccessfully attempted to overturn this ban in court last year.

Email Exchanges and Further Allegations

Internal emails from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, dated December 14, 2019, reference the rape allegation. A separate confidential document details a victim’s account of Staley leaving her with body marks. Further, emails from July 2010 reveal an exchange between Staley and Epstein referencing Disney princesses, with Staley responding to a query about “Snow White” with “Beauty and the Beast.”

Expert Insight: The unsealing of these documents and the continued scrutiny of Staley’s connections to Epstein highlight the enduring consequences of association with individuals accused of serious crimes, even without direct legal culpability. The reputational damage and professional repercussions can be significant and long-lasting.

Another email from July 10, 2010, sent to Epstein, referenced a “Snow White” costume and subsequent sexual activity. Epstein had previously asked an unnamed individual to purchase a Snow White costume weeks prior.

Ongoing Scrutiny

Recent exchanges from June 2023, documented in a memo, suggest that US attorneys do not doubt allegations against Staley and Leon Black, though independent corroboration remains lacking. A lawyer representing Leon Black stated that an independent investigation found no awareness of Epstein’s criminal activities on Black’s part.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific allegations were made against Jes Staley?

The allegations include that Staley forced a woman to touch his genitals during a massage before raping her, and that he left “bloody marks” on another woman.

Did prosecutors pursue charges against Staley?

There is no evidence in the documents that prosecutors decided to pursue the allegations against Staley.

What was the outcome of Staley’s attempt to overturn his UK banking ban?

Staley failed to overturn the UK banking ban imposed on him due to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

As these details continue to emerge, it remains to be seen what further impact this information will have on Staley’s career and reputation, and whether additional legal or regulatory action will be taken.