Kenneth Glad
Recently released records have renewed attention on a brief background detail in a family film. The sign has drawn notice because of documents describing a producer’s later relationship with Epstein.
A brief storefront sign visible in Disney’s 2007 fantasy film Enchanted is drawing renewed attention following the release of records detailing producer Barry Josephson’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to The Sun, the sign, which appears only momentarily during a scene near the end of the movie, reads “Epstein’s Books.” ‘
The paper reports that the background detail has become a topic of discussion because Josephson, one of the film’s producers, later appeared extensively in Justice Department records connected to Epstein.
There is no evidence that the bookstore name was intended as a reference to Epstein. The movie was released in 2007, before many of the communications and financial dealings described in the records took place.
A representative for Josephson rejected any suggestion that he was involved in selecting the storefront’s name.
“Mr. Josephson had no role in suggesting or choosing any of the names in Enchanted. All names either came from the writers or the director,” the representative said.
Producer’s ties emerged years later
The renewed interest stems not from the film itself but from documents released years after its debut.
Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor, maintained relationships with numerous figures in business, politics and entertainment.
Records released in recent years have shed further light on those connections, including his interactions with Josephson.
Justice Department records reviewed by the British newspaper contain emails, photographs and financial information involving the Hollywood producer and Epstein.
Some of the material reportedly places the two men together on the set of the 2015 western Edge, nearly eight years after Enchanted reached theaters.
The records also indicate that Josephson and Epstein exchanged emails over several years and maintained regular contact well into the 2010s.
Emails and financial dealings detailed
Among the documents cited by The Sun are emails discussing auditions, introductions and employment opportunities.
One exchange from 2011 involved Epstein asking whether Josephson knew a suitable candidate for an assistant position. Josephson responded by recommending a woman he had previously worked with, describing her in crude and inappropriate terms.
Other communications involved auditions for individuals connected to Epstein, including his goddaughter Celina Dubin. After one audition, Epstein complained about the feedback she had reportedly received from casting personnel.
“I cannot tell you how annoyed I was to hear that someone was harsh with my god-daughter. you have no idea,” Epstein wrote.
The records also show financial transactions between the two men. According to The Sun, Josephson borrowed money from Epstein on multiple occasions during the early 2010s. The loans were later repaid.
In messages cited by the outlet, Josephson expressed gratitude for Epstein’s assistance during periods of financial pressure and referred to him as a close friend.
Producer later expressed regret
After details of the relationship became public, Josephson addressed the matter in comments reported by Variety.
“There’s no excuse for what I said in some of my emails. The language was crude and juvenile and I’m ashamed,” he said.
He also acknowledged that he had socialized with Epstein and allowed him to visit film sets, but said he never witnessed criminal conduct involving minors.
“My biggest regret, bar none, is that I foolishly believed his denials of wrongdoing… I apologise to all who were hurt by this clearly terrible and depraved individual,” Josephson told the publication.
Disney was contacted by The Sun for comment. No response was reported in the outlet’s coverage.
Sources: The Sun, Variety
