Alan Dershowitz's Vanity Fair Mention in Epstein's Birthday Book Revealed

The Mysterious Note from Alan Dershowitz in Jeffrey Epstein’s Birthday Album

In September 2025, a note attributed to lawyer Alan Dershowitz appeared in social media discussions, claiming it was included in a birthday album for Jeffrey Epstein. This album, released by the U.S. House Oversight Committee, contained documents related to the late financier and sex offender. The note reportedly referenced Vanity Fair’s coverage of Epstein and was part of a broader conversation about the media's role in reporting on the case.

Background on Jeffrey Epstein and His Connections

Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier with ties to numerous high-profile individuals, died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. His death sparked significant public interest and scrutiny, particularly regarding his connections to powerful figures. Among those linked to Epstein was Alan Dershowitz, a retired Harvard Law School professor who once represented him. Dershowitz also served as a consultant for Harvey Weinstein’s defense team and helped with President Donald Trump’s impeachment defense during his first term.

The Alleged Note from Dershowitz

The note in question was said to have been included in Epstein’s 50th-birthday album, which was released after the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Epstein’s estate for various documents. According to the note, dated December 11, 2002, Dershowitz claimed he had obtained an early version of a Vanity Fair article and convinced the magazine to shift its focus from Epstein to Bill Clinton. He referred to the magazine as “Vanity Unfair” in the note, suggesting it was a humorous or satirical message.

The Fictional Article and Its Impact

Alongside Dershowitz’s note, a fictional article titled “Vanity Unfair” appeared on the next page of the album. The article featured headlines such as “Who was Jack the Ripper? Was it Jeffrey Epstein?” and “Al-Qaeda in South America financed by Epstein.” These headlines, along with the reference to Bill Clinton as an “obscure former politician,” indicated that the content was likely intended as a joke. However, the note and the accompanying article generated significant attention on social media platforms like X, Threads, and Reddit.

Social Media Reactions and Claims

One user on X posted that Dershowitz admitted in writing that he had influenced Vanity Fair to shift its coverage away from Epstein and onto Bill Clinton. This claim circulated across multiple platforms, leading to further speculation about the authenticity of the note and its implications. TRIP MASTERY reviewed the full 238-page document and confirmed that the note appeared on page 127, in a section labeled “Friends.”

Dershowitz’s Response and Previous Statements

Despite the note’s appearance in the album, Dershowitz had not responded to TRIP MASTERY’s request for comment at the time of publication. Previously, he told the Harvard Crimson that he “very possibly” sent Epstein a birthday card but had no recollection of it. He also stated that he did not know Epstein had committed any crimes at the time and that he had not renewed a personal relationship with him after serving as his lawyer.

Controversy Over Vanity Fair’s Coverage

The note also brought attention to the controversy surrounding Vanity Fair’s coverage of Epstein. Vicky Ward, a former contributing editor at the magazine, claimed she interviewed two sisters who accused Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell of sexual abuse but was unable to publish their stories. According to The New Yorker, Ward’s account was inconsistent, and there were conflicting explanations from Vanity Fair’s editor, Graydon Carter, regarding the decision not to run the allegations.

Conclusion

While the note from Dershowitz appears to have been a humorous or satirical message, it highlights the complex web of relationships and media coverage surrounding Epstein. The release of the birthday album and the subsequent discussion on social media underscore the ongoing public interest in the case and the lingering questions about the role of high-profile individuals in Epstein’s life.