Barclays’ ex-CEO Jes Staley banned and slapped with £1.8m fine over Epstein ties
Staley out in the cold after lying on Epstein friendship
Jes Staley, the former Barclays CEO, has been banned from senior roles in the UK after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) exposed his false claims about his closeness to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite denying a close relationship, leaked emails revealed Staley described Epstein as a “cherished” friend.
The FCA also hit Staley with a hefty £1.8 million fine. Barclays demanded Staley give up bonuses and long-term share incentives worth a colossal £17.8 million as fallout for the scandal. Staley is set to appeal the FCA’s decision.
Epstein’s dark shadow hangs over Barclays scandal
Jeffrey Epstein, infamous financier and sex offender, died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting sex-trafficking trial. Previously convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor, Epstein served just 13 months in prison. Staley insists he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
The FCA criticised Staley for “recklessly” approving a misleading letter to regulators that downplayed his Epstein connection.
Google to pay millions to German news publishers
In other news, Google has struck a deal to pay German publishers 3.2 million euros ($3.38 million) annually for using their news content. The agreement awaits approval by the German patent office (DPMA).
The pact was made with Corint Media, representing big names like Sat.1, ProSieben, RTL, Axel Springer, and CNBC. It falls in line with Google’s existing licences covering headlines, excerpts, and thumbnails for 470 regional and national German outlets, including Spiegel, Zeit, and FAZ.
Back in 2022, Corint Media demanded a whopping 420 million euros. They hope the DPMA ruling will boost their payout significantly.
Hollywood strike talks hit pause amid fresh deadlock
Meanwhile, negotiations between Hollywood studios and actors have hit a temporary halt, dimming hopes for a quick end to the crippling strike. Since July, streaming giants like Disney and Netflix have met with Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) reps following the actors’ walkout.
The studios have paused talks, while SAG-AFTRA accused them of “bully tactics” and spreading false info about the negotiations. This pause extends the uncertainty over the strike and its damaging effects on movies and TV shows.
