Dr. Oz Linked to Jeffrey Epstein in New Documents
Locales: New York, Virginia, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 13th, 2026 - Documents recently made public reveal that Dr. Mehmet Oz, a prominent physician and former television personality, invited convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to a Valentine's Day party in 2010. This revelation, first reported by the New York Times, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and raised serious questions about Dr. Oz's judgment and ethical considerations, particularly given his public profile and position as a trusted voice in health and wellness.
The newly surfaced invitation is not an isolated incident. Records indicate a series of contacts between Dr. Oz and Epstein, adding layers of complexity to the situation. While Dr. Oz's office has acknowledged attending a dinner with Epstein in 2010, claiming the meeting centered around potential charitable collaborations, the Valentine's Day party invitation suggests a more personal connection than previously disclosed.
"Dr. Oz was asked to attend a dinner with Jeffrey Epstein by a mutual acquaintance years ago," a spokesperson for Dr. Oz stated. "He agreed to do so to discuss charitable work, but strongly condemns the abhorrent and predatory acts that Epstein was convicted of. He has no intention of attending any future events with him."
However, critics argue that even a single meeting with a known predator like Epstein is problematic, let alone extending a personal invitation to a social gathering. The context of 2010 is crucial; Epstein's crimes, while known to law enforcement, were not yet widely publicized in the mainstream media. Nevertheless, whispers and allegations surrounding his activities were already circulating within certain circles. Many are now asking if Dr. Oz, with his significant influence, should have exercised greater caution and avoided any association with Epstein, even before the full extent of his crimes became public.
The ethical implications extend beyond simply attending a dinner. Inviting someone to a personal event like a Valentine's Day party implies a level of social acceptance and normalization. This raises the question of whether Dr. Oz considered the potential harm of being seen as associating with a figure later revealed to be a prolific abuser. Experts in crisis communication note that accepting a connection, even with the intention of steering a potentially problematic individual towards philanthropic endeavors, carries inherent risks.
Dr. Oz's career has been built on trust and credibility. For years, he was a regular fixture on daytime television, dispensing medical advice and lifestyle guidance to millions of viewers. He later entered the political arena, running for Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022, although his bid was ultimately unsuccessful. This history makes the current revelations particularly damaging, as they invite scrutiny of his past associations and potential conflicts of interest.
The timing of these revelations also coincides with renewed public interest in the Epstein case. The release of further court documents and testimony related to Epstein's associates continues to unfold, shedding light on the extent of his network and the alleged involvement of powerful individuals. [ You can find updates on the ongoing Epstein case here ]. This ongoing scrutiny underscores the importance of transparency and accountability, especially for public figures.
Legal experts suggest that while attending a dinner or accepting an invitation is not illegal, it can significantly impact public perception and professional standing. The question now is whether this association will irrevocably damage Dr. Oz's reputation and erode the trust he has cultivated over the years. Several advocacy groups dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse have already called for Dr. Oz to issue a more comprehensive statement acknowledging the harm caused by Epstein's actions and explaining his rationale for the initial contact.
Furthermore, this incident may spark a wider conversation about the responsibility of high-profile individuals to vet their acquaintances and avoid even the appearance of condoning harmful behavior. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing personal or professional connections over ethical considerations.
Read the Full rnz Article at:
[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/586781/senior-us-health-official-dr-mehmet-oz-invited-jeffrey-epstein-to-valentine-s-day-party-documents-show ]