A photographer who once shot a portrait of Jeffrey Epstein is speaking out after his name resurfaced in connection with the newly released files.
Photojournalist Christopher Anderson described the experience as anything but routine, calling Epstein a “creepy guy” and recalling an unsettling aftermath to the assignment.
According to Anderson, the situation escalated when, after the shoot, someone allegedly approached him to pressure him into handing over the images.
The photographer’s account has since gained significant traction online, with many praising him for coming forward and shedding new light on his encounter with the disgraced financier.
Photojournalist Shares Unsettling Experience Working With Jeffrey Epstein
Christopher Anderson has made headlines after talking about a 2015 assignment involving Epstein.
The acclaimed photographer took to Instagram to detail his account of the shoot for a New York Magazine article, commissioned by Michael Wolff. Anderson revealed that he had no idea who Epstein was at the time but said something about the encounter immediately felt off.
At the financier’s New York residence, Anderson recalled seeing unusual decorations and a large stuffed tiger displayed in one of the rooms. He also noted activity elsewhere in the house that appeared unrelated to the shoot, including a woman setting up what looked like a massage table near an office.
Jeffrey Epstein ‘Tried To Intimidate Him’
According to the journalist, Epstein initially handed him a check, an arrangement Anderson accepted as it aligned with his agreement with the magazine. However, he made it clear that Epstein wouldn’t have access to the images until after publication.
That understanding quickly broke down. Anderson said Epstein began repeatedly calling him, demanding the photos be turned over after claiming he was no longer interested in the story.
Standing firm, the photographer reiterated that the images belonged to the magazine until publication, a response he says only intensified tensions. He alleges that Epstein then sent his bodyguard and driver, identified as Merwin, to confront him and retrieve the hard drive.
“It was very mafia-esque. He sent him to intimidate me and make sure he got the hard drive,” Anderson recalled.
Anderson’s Photo Reveals Email Linked To Ex-Prince Andrew
The confrontation ultimately proved effective, with Anderson claiming the hard drive was taken from him, prompting New York Magazine to shelve the story at the time.
However, the photographer recently revealed that he had retained backup copies on another drive, which he has now shared publicly on social media, per the Guardian.
One photo taken inside Epstein’s mansion appeared to show a printed email exchange on a desk referencing a $60,000 claim in unpaid remuneration allegedly linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson.
The email was reportedly addressed to Amanda Thirsk, who served as private secretary to the then-Duke of York from 2012 to 2020.
Online Users Express Concern For Anderson’s Safety
Many online users rallied around Anderson following his revelations, with several expressing concern for his safety after he shared details of his encounter.
“Bro, that’s a crazy read… stay safe my dude,” an Instagram user said.
Another added, “Nice work! Nice bravery! More info here than in the files! Hope you are good, bud. Keep up the good work.”
A third fan said, “Thanks for your courage to always show the unfiltered.”
Jeffrey Epstein Died By Suicide While In Jail
Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
His death was ruled a suicide by hanging by the medical examiner, but the circumstances surrounding it have continued to raise some eyebrows.
According to reports, Epstein had previously been placed on suicide watch after an earlier incident in July that year. However, he later told a psychologist he had no interest in killing himself, describing such an act as “crazy.”
According to the psychologist’s report contained in the Epstein files, he also claimed he still had a lot to live for and look forward to once he got out of jail.
Further raising questions, prison guards on duty failed to conduct scheduled checks between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on the night he died, while the facility’s camera system also happened to malfunction.