Johnny Depp and Justin Baldoni may be linked to Jeffrey Epstein

Emails in the Epstein files reveal PR links to Johnny Depp and Justin Baldoni amid growing backlash

Fresh scrutiny surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files has drawn unexpected connections to Johnny Depp and Justin Baldoni, centring on the crisis publicists who represented them. Newly examined Department of Justice documents show that Matthew Hiltzik, a high profile communications strategist, billed Epstein 25,000 dollars a month in 2017 for public relations services as media attention around the financier intensified.

There is no evidence of direct communication between Depp and Epstein within the released files. However, Hiltzik previously represented Depp during his high profile 2022 defamation trial against Amber Heard. The invoices contained within the Epstein files detail payments for communications counsel at a time when journalists were revisiting Epstein’s 2008 conviction and his connections to powerful political figures.

Hiltzik’s firm has represented an array of influential names across politics, entertainment and media. Among them were Depp and later figures connected to Baldoni. Melissa Nathan, a publicist who worked under Hiltzik before launching her own agency, also appears in the Epstein files in relation to a scheduled 2017 meeting. Nathan later represented Depp and subsequently Baldoni through her firm The Agency Group.

The revelations have fuelled online debate, particularly as Baldoni is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Blake Lively over alleged workplace misconduct. Baldoni and Nathan have denied claims that they orchestrated retaliatory media campaigns, and Nathan’s legal team has stated she never provided services to Epstein. Nonetheless, social media users quickly amplified screenshots of the invoices and email references, linking the crisis PR network to multiple high profile controversies.

Observers note that crisis public relations specialists are often hired to reshape narratives during periods of reputational risk. In Epstein’s case, emails suggest efforts to generate more favourable press coverage and redirect public attention towards philanthropic work. Critics argue that similar reputation management strategies have been visible in other celebrity legal battles, including Depp’s widely publicised court case.

The resurfaced documents have reignited discussions about how wealthy and influential individuals use strategic communications to influence media coverage. Commentators across X and Reddit forums have pointed to the overlap in representation as symbolic of a broader culture of elite reputation management. Supporters of those involved insist that hiring a publicist is neither unusual nor indicative of wrongdoing.