'Bones' EP Barry Josephson Apologizes for Epstein Emails
In a stunning revelation from the latest batch of Jeffrey Epstein documents, Barry Josephson, the veteran executive producer behind the long-running FOX series Bones, has come forward to address his past communications with the convicted sex offender. The disclosures, released by the Justice Department on January 30, paint a picture of a friendship that extended years beyond Epstein's 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution. Josephson, a key figure in Hollywood's television landscape, issued a candid statement expressing deep regret, marking yet another chapter in the ongoing fallout from Epstein's notorious network.
Background on the Epstein Revelations
Jeffrey Epstein's web of influence reached far beyond finance, ensnaring high-profile figures from politics, business, and entertainment. The recent document dump includes emails, financial records, and correspondence that highlight Epstein's persistent connections in elite circles. For Josephson, a former president of Columbia Pictures Television who co-created Bones alongside Hart Hanson, the files expose a personal relationship fraught with financial entanglements and casual banter that now haunts his legacy.
Emails dating back to 2011 and as recent as 2018 show Josephson borrowing over $330,000 from Epstein to cover tax obligations and other personal expenses. In one exchange, Josephson thanked Epstein effusively, writing that he was 'overwhelmed by your friendship.' The correspondence also reveals lighter, yet deeply troubling, interactions where Josephson suggested a 'young, attractive' woman with an 'insane rack' as a potential assistant for Epstein. Additionally, Epstein sought favors, including set visits for women in his circle and even pitching roles on Bones, though those efforts reportedly fell flat.
Josephson's Full Statement and Regrets
Speaking exclusively to Variety, Josephson did not mince words in his apology. 'There’s no excuse for what I said in some of my emails,' he began. 'The language was crude and juvenile, and I’m ashamed.' He acknowledged attending social events with Epstein and allowing the financier to visit his sets on two occasions but was quick to distance himself from the most egregious aspects of Epstein's crimes.
'I never traveled with him on his plane, visited his island, or saw him in the company of minors,' Josephson emphasized. Reflecting on his 47-year career in entertainment, he lamented, 'I’ve encountered thousands of people. My biggest regret, bar none, is that I foolishly believed his denials of wrongdoing. I was impressed by his circle of acquaintances from varied industries, and it blinded me. I apologize to all who were hurt by this clearly terrible and depraved individual.'
This statement comes amid a broader wave of scrutiny on Hollywood's ties to Epstein. The financier's ability to leverage relationships for access—such as gaining entry to production sets—underscores how his predatory behavior infiltrated creative industries. Joseph's admission highlights a common theme: many in Epstein's orbit were drawn in by his charisma and connections, only to grapple with the moral implications later.
Josephson's Career in Hollywood
To understand the impact of these revelations, it's essential to contextualize Joseph's contributions to television. As executive producer of Bones, which aired from 2005 to 2017, Josephson helped build a franchise that blended forensic science with engaging character-driven drama. The show, starring Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz, became a staple of FOX's lineup, spawning spin-offs and cementing Joseph's reputation as a shrewd producer.
Before Bones, Joseph's tenure at Columbia Pictures Television saw him oversee hits like The King of Queens and Wheel of Fortune. His production company, Josephson Entertainment, has credits on projects ranging from comedies to procedurals, showcasing his versatility. Yet, this Epstein connection threatens to overshadow decades of work, raising questions about accountability in an industry often criticized for protecting its own.
Broader Implications for Hollywood
The Epstein files continue to ripple through entertainment, with similar stories emerging about other figures. For instance, French cultural icon Jack Lang recently resigned from his post amid mentions in the documents, denying any wrongdoing. In theater, a New York company canceled a play linked to a playwright whose husband corresponded with Epstein, citing reputational concerns.
Josephson's case exemplifies how Epstein used his wealth and network to ingratiate himself into Hollywood. By offering loans and social introductions, he gained footholds that could have facilitated his exploitative schemes. Experts in media ethics suggest that such disclosures could prompt renewed calls for industry-wide reforms, including better vetting of associates and support for victims of trafficking.
Victims' advocates have praised Joseph's apology as a step forward but stress that words alone aren't enough. Organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children have urged Hollywood leaders to use their platforms to combat human trafficking more aggressively. As the documents continue to be analyzed, more names may surface, potentially reshaping narratives around power and complicity in Tinseltown.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Online, reactions to Joseph's statement have been mixed. Fans of Bones express disappointment, with social media buzzing about the irony of a producer behind a show solving crimes being linked to a real-life criminal. Comment sections on outlets like Deadline are filled with calls for accountability, while some defend Josephson, noting his denial of direct involvement in Epstein's abuses.
Deadline has reached out to Josephson for further comment, but he has not responded as of publication. Legal experts predict that while Joseph's interactions don't appear to cross into criminal territory, the public relations damage could be lasting. In an era of #MeToo and increased scrutiny on executive behavior, this scandal serves as a cautionary tale for maintaining professional boundaries.
As investigations into Epstein's network persist, Joseph's story reminds us that the shadows of the past can resurface unexpectedly. For now, the producer steps back into the spotlight not for accolades, but for atonement—a fitting, if uncomfortable, plot twist in his Hollywood journey.
