What to Know About the Alleged Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Note

A New York judge has released what is alleged to be a suicide note written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The document was previously sealed as part of criminal investigations into the billionaire’s former cellmate. 

The note was reportedly discovered by the cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York in July 2019 after Epstein first attempted suicide weeks before his death.

“They investigated me for month[s] — found nothing!” the note reads. “It is a treat to be able to choose one’s time to say goodbye.”

The note continues: “Watcha want me to do — burst out cryin! No fun - not worth it.”

The words “no fun” were also included in a separate note obtained by CBS from Epstein’s cell after his death. In both notes, the words are underlined. Epstein also appears to have used the phrase “watcha want me to do- burst out cryin” in an email from 2016, released by the Justice Department. 

Epstein’s first apparent suicide attempt

The note has no signature. TIME has been unable to independently verify if it was written by Epstein, and has reached out to the Justice Department for comment. 

Records released by the Justice Department show that on July 23, 2019, Epstein was found “unresponsive” in his cell, and that Epstein claimed later that same day that Tartaglione, who was awaiting trial in a quadruple murder case, had assaulted him. The sex offender was then put on suicide watch. 

The document then shows that Tartaglione appears to have found the note in the days that followed. Epstein was later moved to a separate cell following the alleged assault, where he was later found dead on August 10, 2019. A medical examiner later determined that the cause of death was suicide. 

Tartaglione was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences in June 2024, one for each murder he carried out. 

The push to unseal the document

Judge Kenneth M. Karas of Federal District Court in White Plains, New York, released the note on Wednesday, after a request from the New York Times for it to be released was sent on April 30.

Democrat Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois also requested for the release of the note, writing to the Justice Department on May 4 calling for it to be unsealed. 

“The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein deserve a full and transparent accounting of all pertinent information,” Krishnamoorthi wrote. 

Speaking to the Times, Tartaglione said he found the note tucked into a graphic novel after Epstein was transferred from the cell. He said he then gave the note to his lawyers.

The former cellmate of Epstein had already mentioned the note, speaking on a podcast with Jessica Reed Kraus in July of last year. 

Tartaglione previously discussed the alleged note

Tartaglione claims on the podcast that the note read along the lines that the FBI had investigated Epstein “for months and found nothing” and “what do you want me to do - cry about it?”

Over the last year, questions about alleged relationships between Epstein and prominent global figures have emerged, including with President Donald Trump.

The Justice Department has released several batches of the so-called ‘Epstein files’, most recently in January, when more than 3 million documents were published. 

First Lady Melania Trump is the latest prominent figure to address allegations of association with Epstein. In early April, the First Lady said in an address that “lies” tying her to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell “must end.”

“To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell,” Melania said. “My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note,” she added in reference to a message sent to Maxwell in 2002, released by the Justice Department.

Scrutiny over Epstein associations continues

Since January’s release, several high-profile names have resigned from positions following questions about alleged association with Epstein. 

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced continued scrutiny over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the U.S., despite being aware of continued correspondence between Mandelson and Epstein. 

The former ambassador was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February, though he maintains no wrongdoing. 

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, has also been put in the spotlight in recent months after the Justice Department files appeared to show alleged communication between Epstein and the brother of King Charles. 

Mountbatten Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February, and he has also continuously denied any wrongdoing. 

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental-health crisis or contemplating suicide, call or text 988. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.