Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs' top lawyer, has decided to resign from her position after facing increasing pressure related to her friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Emails obtained from the US justice department reveal that Ruemmler referred to Epstein affectionately as Uncle Jeffrey, provided him with legal advice on how to manage media scrutiny, and accepted a multitude of luxurious gifts from him.
In her resignation statement, Ruemmler emphasized the importance of prioritizing Goldman Sachs' interests, stating, My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs' interests first. CEO David Solomon expressed gratitude for her contributions to the firm and acknowledged her as a friend and mentor to many.
Ruemmler's resignation will take effect on June 30. Despite the revelations around her communications with Epstein, it should be noted that there has been no implication of criminal wrongdoing on her part. The ongoing scrutiny is part of a broader public relations challenge for Goldman Sachs, where Ruemmler had been leading the company's reputational risk committee.
Past emails show Ruemmler had maintained a close relationship with Epstein between 2014 and 2019, exchanging gifts such as designer bags and gift cards. In a December 2015 message, she expressed her admiration for Epstein, stating, I adore him. It's like having another older brother. Though she has stressed that her relationship with Epstein was strictly professional, her association has led to significant public criticism amid Epstein's notorious convictions.
This latest resignation follows a pattern of corporate exits connected to the Epstein scandal, indicating ongoing repercussions within high-profile careers. In recent weeks, Brad Karp, chair of the US law firm Paul Weiss, also stepped down amid similar scrutiny regarding his communication with Epstein.
