Jon Stewart Explains why He checked the Epstein Files. (Photo by The Daily Show / YouTube)
Jon Stewart used his opening monologue on The Daily Show to walk viewers through the latest batch of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein. He ticked through the familiar list of powerful names that appear throughout the files including President Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and Elon Musk before pivoting to something much closer to home.
Stewart told the audience he wanted “to get ahead of the story” after realizing his own name appeared in the files. Like “we all” did he joked he searched for himself and discovered he was mentioned in connection with a concept for a hypothetical standup project involving Woody Allen.
The reference comes from a 2015 email sent by Epstein to producer Barry Josephson. In the message Epstein floated an idea for a standup routine for Allen that would be exclusive to Apple TV or Amazon. The timing stood out because the email was sent well after Allen had effectively been pushed out of Hollywood.
Josephson responded with an idea of his own. “think we do it as an extraordinary event. prerecorded testimonials, set in new york …,” he wrote. “Make a true biographical experience with his stand up being the capper. somebody like Jon Stewart could host narrate the biographical part, or Woody voice over.”
Stewart reacted in mock disbelief. “Excuse me?” he said. “Somebody like Jon Stewart? Or Jon Stewart?”
He leaned into the bit pretending to be offended. “Do I have the offer, or is this an audition?”
A deeper look at the files shows Stewart’s name appearing elsewhere too. Clips from The Daily Show were shared in emails between Epstein and others and a 2013 scheduling exchange referenced a possible dinner with Epstein actor Bobby Slayton and comedian Lewis Black. In that email Black was said to be “in” for the dinner “unless Jon Stewart Comedy Central calls.” Black has been a regular guest on Comedy Central.
Meanwhile Allen’s relationship with Epstein has drawn renewed attention after earlier file releases included photos of the two dining together with an unidentified woman. One image shows Allen now 90 seated across from Epstein at a table surrounded by drinking glasses while Epstein grins mid conversation.
