Faith Kates, the longtime head of Next Management modeling agency, maintained a close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and introduced him to models from her agency, according to court documents and a Guardian investigation.

Kates ran Next Management for decades as its founder, representing high-profile clients including Alexa Chung, Milla Jovovich, and Billie Eilish. She stepped down from her position in November, just weeks before the release of major court documents related to the Epstein case, citing plans to focus on charity work.

Court documents reveal text messages between Kates and Epstein showing their relationship continued even after his 2009 arrest on solicitation charges. In messages from July and September 2009, Kates wrote to Epstein expressing support, stating "I am and will always be your friend...Unconditionally...will always be there for you" and "You are a good friend my dear friend."

The documents indicate Kates served as a conduit between Epstein and the modeling industry, though the full extent of their business relationship remains unclear. Epstein responded to one of Kates' supportive messages by suggesting they "get back to work."

Next Management has represented numerous prominent models and celebrities throughout its decades of operation. The agency has not publicly commented on the revelations about Kates' relationship with Epstein.

Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.