Dick Cavett’s PBS Dream Meets Jeffrey Epstein’s Dark Backstory

Dick Cavett and Jeffrey Epstein: A Failed PBS Documentary

In late 2016, former talk‑show host Dick Cavett was invited to a dinner at Jeffrey Epstein’s house. The conversation soon turned to a potential PBS documentary about the former talk‑show host.

Epstein, who had been trying to rebuild his reputation after criminal convictions, saw an opportunity to fund a cultural project. He had been introduced to Cavett by Woody Allen and had hosted several informal gatherings of celebrities at his estate.

Emails released by the Justice Department show that Cavett’s wife, Martha Rogers, and a documentary producer discussed the idea with Epstein. Rogers wrote that she was excited about the possibility of producing the film.

She estimated a budget of roughly $500,000 and even sent a detailed plan for how the money would be used. The proposal envisioned the project as an episode of “American Masters,” a PBS series that celebrates notable artists and writers.

These exchanges occurred while Epstein was using his philanthropic ties to regain influence. He had faced serious accusations, including one count of soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Ultimately, the plan to fund the documentary did not materialize. The emails reveal that Epstein’s involvement was a key factor in keeping the project stalled.