Celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai is facing a new civil lawsuit from seven women who allege that his salons were used as part of Jeffrey Epstein's grooming operation. The women claim Epstein sent them to Fekkai for beauty treatments designed to make them look 'as young as possible', with the complaint alleging that some were bleached blonde and 'groomed like dolls' to suit Epstein's preferences.
The lawsuit, filed in New York on 1 September 2026, names Fekkai, his company and salon employee Patrick Coombs. It claims that Fekkai and his businesses enabled Epstein's alleged abuse by providing salon services under his direction. However, the stylist has strongly denied wrongdoing.
Jeffrey Epstein’s Friend & Celebrity Hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai Accused of Grooming Girls for Him https://t.co/pW40kUfv1U
— TMZ (@TMZ) September 2, 2026
What the Lawsuit Alleges
According to the complaint, the alleged grooming took place between 1994 and 2007. The seven plaintiffs say Epstein directed them to Fekkai's salons, where their appearances were allegedly altered at his request.
The filing describes Fekkai's salons as an alleged 'epicentre' of Epstein's grooming process. The women claim the stylist's services were used to manipulate and control them before further abuse.
'Fekkai groomed the victims to look as young as possible under Epstein's direction. Epstein would direct Fekkai to bleach victims blond and groomed them like dolls into Epstein's and other's liking,' the complaint states.
Two plaintiffs allege that they were underage when Epstein brought them to Fekkai's salons for beauty services. Five of the seven women are proceeding anonymously, while the named plaintiffs include former model Kersti Ferguson and former Playboy Playmate Audra Christiansen.
Fekkai's Connection to Epstein
Fekkai's association with Epstein has previously appeared in records and congressional scrutiny. In June, House Oversight Committee Republicans asked the US Department of Justice to investigate sexual assault allegations involving Fekkai following testimony from Epstein's former assistant Sarah Kellen.
According to the committee, Kellen alleged that Fekkai was a close friend of Epstein and routinely provided salon services to women at Epstein's instruction. The committee stressed that it was referring the allegations to the Justice Department for investigation and was not determining guilt or innocence.
Fekkai's name has also appeared in previously released Epstein-related court documents in 2024. The filing listed him among people said to have knowledge of conduct that was the subject of the case.
Denying the Allegations
Fekkai has denied allegations of wrongdoing connected to Epstein.
His representative, Mark Herr, told Forbes that Fekkai 'did nothing wrong' and argued that the latest lawsuit does not allege that the hairstylist even met the women or physically touched them. His representatives have also previously denied allegations made by Kellen, saying Fekkai never abused anyone or participated in illegal behaviour.
Who Is Frédéric Fekkai?
Frédéric Fekkai is a French celebrity hairstylist, entrepreneur and beauty brand founder who built a high-profile career working with celebrities, models and fashion publications. Born in Aix-en-Provence, France, he trained in Paris before making his mark in New York. In 1989, he was hired to run a salon at Bergdorf Goodman, helping establish his reputation in New York's beauty industry.
Fekkai later expanded beyond salon styling, launching his namesake haircare line in 1995. His clientele has included prominent figures such as Meryl Streep, Naomi Campbell and Salma Hayek. He also co-founded Bastide, a luxury lifestyle brand inspired by his Provençal roots.
