The name of celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair has appeared in a newly released set of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, though the records make no allegation of wrongdoing and refer only to her presence at a social event connected to a film more than a decade ago.

Nair, an Indian-born director best known for films such as Monsoon Wedding, Salaam Bombay and Mississippi Masala, is also the mother of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Her name appears in an email included in the latest disclosure of Epstein files released by the United States Department of Justice on Friday.

The Justice Department said the release comprises more than three million pages of documents, alongside over 2,000 videos and approximately 180,000 images. US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the material was made public under transparency requirements. “That means that the department produced approximately three and a half million pages in compliance with the act,” Blanche said, adding that images of women were being redacted except for those depicting Ghislaine Maxwell.

One of the documents drawing attention is an email dated October 21, 2009, sent by publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein at the address jeevacation@gmail.com. A screenshot of the email, circulated by the Justice Department and later reported by the Daily Mail, refers to an after-party held at Maxwell’s Manhattan townhouse.

Email Consists Prominent Names

The body of the email lists several prominent figures said to have attended the gathering.
“Just left Ghislaine’s townhouse…after party for film. Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos were there…Jean Pigozzi, director Mira Nair….etc,” the email reads.

Siegal’s message also offers commentary on the response to the film showcased at the event.

“Film received tepid reaction although women like it much more…Hillary Swank and Gere at stupid party in Bloomingdales cheap sportwear department….very weird,” she wrote. “Studio went for free party from store and windows for a month…. Going to be in Wall Street 2 tomorrow ….more to come. xoxo Peg,” the email concluded.

Although the subject line is not visible in the screenshot, several media reports have stated that the event was linked to the promotion of Amelia, a 2009 biographical film directed by Nair and starring Hillary Swank and Richard Gere.

Epstein File Mentions Not Evidence of Crime, Says DOJ

The Justice Department has repeatedly stressed that names appearing in the Epstein files should not be interpreted as evidence of criminal behaviour. Many of the documents consist of emails, invitations, and social correspondence that are not directly connected to Epstein’s offences.

Jeffrey Epstein died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was later convicted for her role in facilitating abuse and exploitation.

At the time of publication, there has been no response from Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office regarding the reference to his mother in the released material.