Caesars Hosted Epstein's Birthday After Conviction

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-02-16

New documents from the U.S. Justice Department have revealed a troubling chapter in Las Vegas history. They show Caesars Entertainment hosted Jeffrey Epstein's 60th birthday celebration in 2013, years after his 2008 conviction for sex offenses. It's a story that keeps unfolding, revealing more about the connections between powerful figures and the disgraced financier. ### The Birthday Bash Details According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the belated celebration was reportedly bankrolled by Leon Black. He was the former CEO of Apollo Global Management and a former owner of Caesars. Staff at Caesars Palace booked a suite for Epstein and his alleged girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak. They also arranged multiple other rooms for his guests. The party package included comprehensive "meal plans, and show access" for everyone. The birthday entourage enjoyed VIP treatment that went far beyond ordinary hotel service. - VIP seats and tickets to a Rod Stewart concert - Top-tier loyalty bonuses typically reserved for high-rollers - Special requests for passes to the annual DEF CON event Epstein's management specifically asked for those DEF CON passes because the party wanted to skip lines. Epstein himself wanted "to meet tech people at the event." The entire Vegas trip lasted just over a day, as Epstein flew in and out on his private jet. ### The Financial Backing Question Here's where things get particularly interesting. A spokesperson for Leon Black stated the former executive had "no recollection of ever covering the costs" of this birthday surprise. Black still holds a significant stake in Apollo, but stepped down as CEO and Chair in 2021 over his alleged ties to Epstein. Yet internal emails tell a different story. They mentioned charges on Black's account and referred to the 2013 trip as "an Epstein birthday present." This contradiction raises serious questions about accountability and memory when it comes to these events. ### Epstein's Criminal History It's important to remember the context here. Epstein served 13 months in county jail after his 2008 conviction for "procuring a person under 18 for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute." That should have made him persona non grata at major hospitality venues. Further investigations led to his 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges. Epstein, accused of abusing minors and facilitating abuse by associates, died by suicide in prison. His horrific legacy continues to cast a long shadow, especially as investigators examine millions of unreleased files. ### The Wider Vegas Connections This isn't just about one birthday party. The recently released files have sparked calls for MGM International and state gaming regulators to cancel MGM's David Copperfield Show. Why? Because the documents reveal the magician had a "very close relationship" with Epstein. The evidence points to more people who used Epstein's contacts to access Las Vegas events, even in his absence. His associates reportedly obtained tickets to Celine Dion, Penn and Teller, and various Cirque du Soleil shows around Sin City. As one investigator noted, "The connections run deeper than most people realize, and the hospitality industry needs to examine its vetting processes." ### Law Enforcement's Findings According to the Review-Journal, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated it hasn't found any crime reports directly linked to Epstein's visits to Vegas. That official statement, however, does little to calm public concern about how someone with his conviction received such red-carpet treatment. The real story here isn't just about a birthday party. It's about systems, access, and what happens when hospitality crosses ethical lines. As more documents emerge, we're likely to see this shadow over Vegas grow longer. The gaming and entertainment capital now faces difficult questions about its past associations and future standards.