129 Comments
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David F's avatar

Great and insightful article. I too have/had a lot of questions about the tapes and Wolff’s bromance with Epstein. Hilarious that he adds the snarky part about Patterson not being a respected writer (Patterson is one of the highest-paid authors of all time, with a net worth estimated around $800 million, and Wolff's net worth is estimated around $20M). I’d say Patterson is a lot more respectable as a writer and as a person than Wolff.

David F's avatar

No, thank you!

Adrian Foley's avatar

Patterson is a very successful producer of dime store novels that doesn’t make him a great writer just a prolific one

David F's avatar

Never said he was a great writer Adrian. I understand that like Steven King, he is considered the Big Mac and fries of American literature. I only questioned Wolff’s assertion that he is not a respected writer.

Joanna's avatar

Well that is strange 🤔 coming from a man who supposedly has nothing to hide. Ellie you are obviously a threat. Great work!

Elizabeth Carr's avatar

I say F*CK Michael and any other sleazy author who held back information that harmed and even killed people ( I’m looking at you BOB WOODWARD ) for the sake of making money writing a book!

Assemblywoman Debra Mazzarelli's avatar

Maggie Haberman…all these authors withhold info till they’re published books sell…

Jen from 🇨🇦's avatar

I love Ellie’s writing and I love sharing it. For two years I was uncovering Epstein stuff and I kept posting it and I kept saying to people keep posting one day it will pay off. The days are here I believe.

Ellie Leonard's avatar

Thank you Jen!

Robin Dumler's avatar

I will be a much happier person when Trump leaves the universe.

Being Human's avatar

Be careful what you wish for. Donny-Boy is the softest, ‘nicest’ of them all. What comes after Donald is much, much worse.

nita fandray's avatar

Good point. Unfortunately.

Gwen's avatar
Dec 11Edited

If Tr*mp lasts until ‘26, and the Dems manage to take control of Congress, then the approach would be to try to impeach both him and Vance simultaneously. Next in line would be the Speaker of the House (who at that point would be Hakeem Jeffries).

Gwen's avatar

I wouldn't say “nicest,” but his incompetence makes him less dangerous.

GraciousMonkey's avatar

not on my watch, friend

Ragpad's avatar

You should append "all of his ilk" to your comment; no?

Joanna's avatar

It is interesting how we haven't heard much from Wolff since you started examining the Epstein files that have been released.

Ellie Leonard's avatar

Well, he did block me ;D

Capes Pamela's avatar

You were getting under his skin, Ellie!! … meandering very close to the TRUTH…God Forbid!!

Ragpad's avatar

Well, it is a badge of honor - Congressional Medal of Honor; no?

Anne Burr's avatar

What truth about Wolff?

Anne Burr's avatar

He’s on the Daily Beast everyday. He’s not in hiding.

Joanna's avatar

Prior to Ellie Leonard sharing his emails he had with Epstein he was making his rounds with Lev, Shev, Left Hook, and other journalist on substack now I don't see him participating on those outlets anymore. That is what I noticed.

Anne Burr's avatar

Understood.

ALIx's avatar

He’s a pompous asshole with some questionable misconduct….HE KNEW EVERYTHING AND SAID NOTHING..CRIMINAL AND COMPLICIT🤬

Assemblywoman Debra Mazzarelli's avatar

Many beloved Substack writers knew all and never said any thing bad about candidate in 2016! Never shall I forgive them or the Republicans National Party for his nomination and lack of vetting properly! Should have talked too all who were never paid, his attorneys,looked up court transcripts,inquired about lawsuits,gotten copies of settlements paid and why paid,etc.

Nancy Raskauskas's avatar

Wow! As usual you nailed it and you just affirmed all of my feelings about Wolf. Early on, I was angry at myself for doubting him. But after Epstein died and Ghislaine was imprisoned and he started talking out in public about all of this I read more about him. I thought he was creepy. He lets out just so much (little) information.He was already a successful author, as you said, so why not tell what you know. I saw him on Michael Cohen’s Substack with Popok telling just enough of his stories, so proud of himself, and I wanted to throw up!

Ellie Leonard's avatar

Turns out he has a long reputation

Debra's avatar

Nobody that wealthy gets my donation, for any cause, unless I know them personally and I am so rich I can throw money away. These go fund me sites are too sketchy for my taste, and I can hardly believe that folks are giving them their money.

Jaye Shands's avatar

I’ve never cared for Wolff or his writing. Now I know why. Great work, Ellie!

Ellie Leonard's avatar

Thank you Jaye :)

Kitty Sue's avatar

When he came to Substack I saw several people recommend him so I checked him out. One post was all it took to give me the icks. I watched him live once and that was it for me and Michael. The emails showed my gut reaction was right. I agree he is hoping to cash out big with those tapes.

Bluesin’ Bob's avatar

Wow so much information Damn and yes There are more questions than answers. Thank You Ellie amazing reporting👏🏻👊🏻💪🏻🙌🏻🥰

Joan Steiker's avatar

Thank you for this entire post. It sheds a new light on Michael Wolff. And it’s not a good light. I had no idea who he really is.

Biology Lost's avatar

Congrats!? Looks like you picked up a screaming MAGA spammer.

Ellie Leonard's avatar

Yeah, I blocked. Highly recommend. 5 stars.

Ms. H's avatar

I’ve questioned Michael’s legitimacy all along. He seems to have been out in front to gain notoriety. He has always seemed too sleazy.

MDL's avatar

I saw Wolff interviewed about his lawsuit against Melania Trump. This was before the emails were released, where he's giving Epstein advise on how to handle Trump. His arrogance and privilege were obvious but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Once I read that email exchange between him and Epstein, it was obvious that he's sketchy. He's going to hang on tight to his notes and recordings until such a time as he can incorporate them into a book and profit from it. He may be waiting for juicyness from the lawsuit to add a couple of chapters.