‘Terrible Judgement’: Epstein Fallout Forces Top Hotel Exec To Leave — He’s JB Pritzker’s Cousin

Illinois businessman Thomas Pritzker said Monday he was stepping down from his executive position at the Hyatt hotel corporation over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. 

Emails released by the Justice Department show Pritzker corresponding with Epstein in the years after his 2008 convictions for solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of a minor. Pritzker is the cousin of Democratic Governor JB Pritzker and has been the executive chair of Hyatt for over two decades. 

“Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret. I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner,” Pritzker said in a news release. “I condemn the actions and the harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell and I feel deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims.”

In a letter to the Hyatt board on Monday, Pritzker said he would not seek to continue as executive chair after his term ends in June 2026. 

“When I look at my care for Hyatt, my respect for good governance and the focus that [my wife] and I have on our legacy, they all lead me to conclude that what is right for Hyatt and for me is that I retire as Executive Chairman of Hyatt effective immediately and not stand for reelection at our 2026 annual shareholder’s meeting,” he wrote in the letter. 

The announcement came after emails showed him corresponding with Epstein about a variety of topics. In one email from May 2012, Pritzker boasted to Epstein about attending an apparent dinner with high-ranking Chinese officials. 

“It was beyond awesome. I should have pushed you to go,” Pritzker wrote. “Hot sh*t in a cool place.”

Another email exchange from July 2012 included Pritzker telling Epstein, “Still at same coordinates. Took a bath this week,” and “more good news. Expect to take a bath again next week.”

Other emails included in the Justice Department Epstein files include emails between Epstein and his associates scheduling calls and appointments between Pritzker and Epstein. 

Hyatt praised Pritzker in a statement following his announcement. 

“Tom’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Hyatt’s strategy and long-term growth, and we thank him for his service and dedication to Hyatt,” said Richard Tuttle, the chair of Hyatt’s nominating and corporate governance committee.

Over the years, Pritzker made significant political contributions to both Democratic and Republican political candidates, including former President Barack Obama, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Senator Cory Booker (D-NY), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). 

The release of the Epstein files has led to a shakeup in the business and political world. 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced pressure after emails shed new light on the relationship between former U.S. Ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson and Epstein. Last week, Kathryn Ruemmler, Obama’s longest-serving White House counsel, announced that she would be leaving Goldman Sachs after emails revealed her cozy relationship with Epstein.

The Trump administration has also faced questions after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told senators last week that he visited Epstein’s Little Saint James Island with his wife and children in 2012.