Thread by @MorningEdition

1/ An unusually early visit, a live bullet and a dead cat.

These were scare tactics used on Vanity Fair’s editor Graydon Carter, after reporter Vicky Ward investigated sex abuse allegations against financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.

She spoke to NPR:

https://twitter.com/MorningEdition/status/1148683211217747969

2/ Ward’s reporting included accounts from two accusers and their mother — Maria, Annie and Janice Farmer — who confirmed publicly they spoke on the record.

Carter claimed the story couldn't be published legally. The sources said they were heartbroken.

3/ NPR’s @davidfolkenflik reports there was a sense Epstein had control of the media. He berated Carter before the story published and once paid him an ominous visit, according to Vanity Fair contributing editor John Connolly.

“Jeffrey Epstein would terrorize people,” he said.

4/ The article excluded any sex abuse allegations, but it took a harsh look at Epstein’s wealth and the mysterious lifestyle he led.

The day it was published, a bullet was left on Carter’s front step. It wasn't evident who left it, but the editor considered it a clear warning.

5/ In 2006, when authorities were investigating Epstein in Florida, Connolly says he was interviewing other women to see if there was a new story.

And something was left outside Carter’s house again — a cat’s head.

6/6 Vanity Fair would later return to tough reporting on Epstein. But for a time he was written about in a forgiving tone.

Hear the full story here: n.pr/2KPUKhd