Faith Kates quits Next Models after resurfaced Epstein emails spark scrutiny

Faith Kates, one of fashion’s most influential power brokers, has abruptly exited Next Model Management following the resurfacing of her friendly email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein.

Kates, who co-founded the agency in 1989, informed staff on 24 November that she had “decided to step back and retire” after 36 years. She referenced her long health journey as a “30 year cancer survivor” and said she now wanted to focus on philanthropic work.

Reports suggest her departure may also be linked to renewed attention on emails involving her and Epstein that appeared in recent document releases. There is no allegation of wrongdoing against Kates, and Next Models has not commented.

What the resurfaced emails show

The emails, dated 2017, reflect friendly exchanges between Kates and Epstein two years before his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges. Their reappearance in the latest batch of documents has fuelled online discussion, especially as the modelling world reacts to ongoing disclosures tied to the Epstein files.

Why the Epstein files are back in headlines

The Epstein files refer to thousands of pages collected during long-running federal investigations into Epstein and his network, including interviews, emails, flight logs and materials seized from his properties. After mounting political pressure, President Donald Trump recently signed a measure requiring the Justice Department to release all eligible documents within 30 days.

Some material has already surfaced, naming a range of high-profile figures. Being mentioned does not imply wrongdoing. The upcoming release is expected to be one of the most significant disclosures yet, with strict redactions to protect victims and active cases.

What’s next for Next Models

Kates’ departure marks the first major leadership change at the agency since its founding. She told staff she would be “cheering you on from the sidelines”, but no successor has been announced.

Her exit comes at a sensitive moment for the fashion industry, which has been increasingly scrutinised as more Epstein-related documents enter the public domain.