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26 Best Colognes for Teenage Guys on November 18, 2023 at 10:00 am Us Weekly

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Need to make a good impression? Check out this guide for the best colognes for teenage guys. See which combo of musk, fruit, and spices will suit you best!

Nowadays, it’s all about having the right look. And one of the best fashion accessories you can have is the right cologne.

Whether you’re heading off to school or just going out with your friends, having a signature scent is essential for making a statement and showing off who you are.

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But with so many colognes on the market, it can be quite hard to make the right choice, especially when you’re a teenager and your social status is at stake.

Stress no more; we’ve done all of the hard work for you by carefully reviewing 26 of the best colognes suited specifically for teenage guys like yourself! Read along as we share our top picks that will have everyone giving compliments left and right!

1. Atlantis by Blu Atlas

At Blu Atlas, their Atlantis cologne is inspired by the coastal jungle in Bali. It’s made with premium ingredients and formulated using clean industry standards. No parabens, preservatives, phthalates, or synthetic dyes here! Also, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good spritzing it on.

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Bergamot, lemon, and blackcurrant give way to mid notes of lavender, clary sage, peach, and apricot before settling into base notes of orris, oak-moss, violet, ambrette seed, and musk for a tropical adventure every time you dab it on!

So, go ahead and make every day feel like an island escape with Blu Atlas’ Atlantis.

2. Mercedes Benz for Men

Mercedes-Benz for Men is a unique cologne for teenage guys with an eye on the vibrant future.

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This modern scent combines refined florals and unexpected citruses for an energetic yet sophisticated edge, making it perfect for young gentlemen wanting to make a lasting impression.

With its lively top notes of Italian mandarin orange and Calabrian bergamot, deepened by soft violet leaves absolute, and refreshing aquatic Cascalone, this masculine aroma is sure to turn heads!

Carefully crafted in a sleek black bottle designed with the iconic three-pointed star logo, it’s guaranteed to stay intense all day long.

Step up your fragrance game with Mercedes-Benz for Men, leaving your mark with a scent that expresses your confident attitude and unique style.

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3. Dior – Sauvage

Christian Dior Sauvage is the perfect cologne for teen guys! Its blend of fresh and peppery notes gives it a totally masculine vibe that’s great for any occasion.

You can expect to get hit with a bright bergamot and spicy pepper right off the bat. As it settles, you’ll smell sweet earth and warm wood that embraces outdoor inspiration—it’s like nature in a bottle!

Not only does this cologne look good, but it also lasts long throughout your day or night. Whether you’re attending a school dance or hanging out with friends, Christian Dior Sauvage is an awesome choice!

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4. Adidas – Moves

Adidas Moves is a perfect cologne for teen guys. It’s been around since 1999 and is still as fresh as ever.

This easy-going scent has just the right blend of ginger ale, rose geranium, cedarwood, and cyclamen to create a super wearable fragrance that won’t overpower you but will have your friends asking what you’re wearing.

Perfect for everyday use, it’s great to spritz on before school or any time you want to feel cool and confident. So go ahead; it’s time to make moves with Adidas Moves!

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5. Abercrombie & Fitch – Fierce

Are you a teen guy looking for something fresh and laid-back? Then Fierce Cologne is the one for you!

This iconic scent from Abercrombie & Fitch has been on the block since the early 2000s, and it’s still going strong in 2023.

With top notes of marine breeze, middle notes of sandalwood, and base notes of musk, this aquatic and masculine fragrance gives off a clean vibe that’s perfect for school or work. It adds just the right edge to your style without being too intense.

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Plus, an affordable price makes it a great intro if you’re just starting out on your search for cologne. So don’t wait; add a bit of Fierce to your life and smell good while doing it!

6. Paco Rabanne – Invictus

Paco Rabanne Invictus is the ultimate cologne for guys that want to show off their bold and confident side.

This unique trophy bottle contains a fragrance that’s perfect for taking on any challenge that comes your way.

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With top notes of sea, grapefruit, and orange, middle notes of jasmine, and base notes of guaiac wood and patchouli, this scent has an edge that will make you stand out from the crowd! It’s fresh yet masculine with sweet citrus tones, giving it a playful and youthful vibe that isn’t too serious—just like you.

So, amp up your style game with Paco Rabanne Invictus; it’s the cologne that will help you make a statement wherever you go.

7. Davidoff – Cool Water

Cool Water by Davidoff is the perfect cologne to keep you smelling fresh all day. Featuring a classic aquatic scent, this timeless fragrance combines mint, lavender, cedarwood, jasmine, amber, geranium, and tobacco for a smell that’s like taking a dip in a pool on a hot summer day.

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With its crisp and clean aroma that has been captivating hearts since 1988, Cool Water is sure to be your go-to cologne! Keep smelling great with this one-of-a-kind scent.

8. Liz Claiborne – Curve

Bring your style to the next level with Curve Cologne Spray! This fresh scent is perfect for teen guys who want to make an impression. A mix of juicy pineapple and juniper berries combine with herbal notes of lavender and zesty neroli and lemon to create a totally unique fragrance.

Just one spritz will last you through your day, whether at school or out on the town with friends. Make sure you always have a bottle of Curve Cologne Spray so that you look and smell amazing no matter what life throws at you!

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9. Giorgio Armani – Acqua Di Gio

This classic citrus/aquatic scent is all about freshness and confidence. Bergamot, tangerine, neroli, rose, jasmine, and patchouli combine to create a sophisticated yet casual smell for everyday wear. Plus, it started an entire trend back in the late 90s, so you know it’s got staying power. The perfect choice for any teen guy looking to show off his style! Get ready for compliments galore when you spritz yourself with Acqua Di Gio!

 

10. Calvin Klien – CK One

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If you’re looking for a cologne that’ll make all your friends jealous, look no further!

CK One is a masterstroke of a masculine scent, and it’s been the go-to cologne for teen guys everywhere. It’s got top notes of bergamot, middle notes of green tea, and bottom notes of musk—yup, it smells as good as it sounds.

This crisp, cool scent will keep you smelling fresh all day long without being too overpowering or inauthentic. Think sunlit coastal waters with a hint of citrus; now think about how good that would smell on you! Plus, this bottle lasts for-ev-er, so you get your money’s worth.

 

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11. Nautica – Voyage

A scent with something special. Nautica Voyage is a cologne that’s perfect for the adventurous teen guy looking to stand out with a unique fragrance.

It features top notes of green leaves, apple, and lotus that open up to base notes of cedarwood and amber, giving off a cool, balanced musk. Imagine aromatherapy relaxation in a bottle—all without having to light any incense!

Plus, this fruity-forward scent has a calming effect from the cedarwood and sweetness from the apples. So go ahead, take your sense of smell on an adventure; Nautica Voyage will be sure to turn heads no matter where you are!

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12. Guy Laroche – Drakkar Noir

Drakkar Noir is the OG of colognes for teen guys. It’s been around since the late eighties, but it still smells just as fresh today as it did back then. This classic scent features a blend of alluring aromas like amber, citrus, pine, juniper, coriander, balsam, and patchouli that last almost all day long! So, if you’re looking to make an impression wherever you go, Drakkar Noir is your go-to pick. With its timeless aroma, this cologne will never let you down.

13. Lucky Brand – Lucky You

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Lucky You cologne is the go-to choice for teen guys who want to smell great and make a statement. With its distinctive bamboo stem scent, this fresh fragrance stands out from other earthy oriental scents.

For over two decades, Lucky You has stayed true to its original formula, so you know you’re getting the same great smell every time! Versatile enough for any occasion, Lucky You will have you feeling confident and looking sharp whether you’re at school or out with friends on the weekend.

 

14. Ferrari – Ferrari Black

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Introducing Ferrari Black by Ferrari, a cool, confident cologne for teen guys who want to make a bold statement. Launched in 1999, this fragrance is all about attitude and edge. The sleek black box hints at its mysteriousness.

Top notes of citrus and lime mixed with the sweet fruity scents of apple and plum create an exciting strength that will bring out your inner swagger. In the heart of the scent, you’ll find warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon combined with jasmine and rose for an intriguing depth.

To finish off, base notes of cedarwood, amyris wood, vanilla, and crystals musk leave a masculine sensuality that won’t be forgotten.

 

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15. Chanel – Bleu

If you’re a teenage dude who wants to step up their cologne game, Bleu De Chanel EDP is where it’s at!

This luxurious scent will have your friends asking what kind of fragrance you’ve got goin’ on.

The top notes are like a juicy mix of grapefruit and lemon with a dash of pepper. Then there are the middle notes, like ginger and nutmeg, giving some spice to the scent. Finally, smoky incense, vetiver, and woods provide an unforgettable finish.

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Bleu De Chanel gives off a sexy vibe, so you can feel confident when wearing this awesome cologne! Time to spruce up your cologne collection with the best of ’em. You’ll be a total boss!

 

16. Tommy Hilfiger – Tommy Now

On the lookout for a cologne that’s perfect for any occasion? Check out Tommy Hilfiger’s Tommy Now.

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This cologne has it all—a spicy blend of citrus, ginger, cardamom, geranium, moss, and amberwood to give you an uplifting boost no matter where your day takes you.

It’s bright and clean, perfect for making an impression, whatever the weather. So, don’t think twice about giving Tommy Now a go—it could just become your new favorite scent in no time at all.

 

17. Versace- Versace Man

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If you’re looking for a cologne that will make all your peers do a double-take, then Versace Man Eau Fraiche is the one for you! This award-winning scent has everything teen guys need to make an impression—we’re talking cedar, lemon, amber, and more. Not so strong it’ll give them a headache but just strong enough to leave behind a delicious sillage.

Whether they want to dress up or just hang out with friends, Versace Man Eau Fraiche will make sure everyone knows they mean business.

 

18. Ralph Lauren – Polo Red

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Here’s a cologne you’ll love! Ralph Lauren Polo Red is the perfect go-to scent when you want to make a statement. It’s woody and spicy with just the right amount of sweetness. It exudes confidence in every spritz. Get ready for compliments from all genders when you wear this one!

The top notes of spicy red saffron, juicy red grapefruit, and aromatic coffee come together perfectly with deep redwood base notes—it’s the perfect balance between fresh and masculine for those cool winter months.

So, what are you waiting for? Show ’em what you’re made of by wearing Ralph Lauren Polo Red – your swagger will thank you!

 

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19. Hugo Boss – Boss Bottled

Boss Bottled by Hugo Boss is a perfect cologne for teen guys looking to make an impact. The sweet and spicy scent comes from notes of cinnamon, vanilla, apple, plum wood, florals, and vetiver—it’s an addictive blend that you won’t forget!

This classic yet timeless fragrance has been around since 1998 but still manages to stay cool and relevant, so you can always trust Hugo Boss to keep up with the times.

With its seductive vibes and sophistication, this cologne will take your style game to the next level. Time to get noticed!

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20. Versace – Eros

Are you a teen guy looking for the perfect scent to wear on your first date? Look no further than Versace Eros—the classic fragrance that captures all of the youthful energy, passion, and cool factor you need.

On top, it has an invigorating mix of zesty mint, green apple, and lemon. Then, you’ll notice its seductive middle notes of geranium, Ambroxan, and Tonka bean.

To finish off this delightful aroma is a smooth base of vanilla, vetiver, oakmoss, and wood.

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With such a versatile blend of scents, Eros is sure to be your go-to cologne to take you from day to night throughout any season. Not only will you have a lasting and striking impression, but you’ll be paying homage to the Greek god of love himself.

 

21. David Beckham – Instinct

Introducing David Beckham Instinct, this fresh and spicy cologne is the perfect scent for teenage guys who want to stand out from the crowd.

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With an energizing aroma featuring key notes of citrus, star anise, pimento, patchouli, cardamom, and amber, this modern fougere scent will keep you smelling great all day long. It’s perfect for young athletic guys who need something that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

Plus, it’s been endorsed by one of the world’s biggest style icons, so you know you can trust it to get you through your day in style. Make David Beckham Instinct your go-to cologne, and start showing off your unique sense of scent today.

22. Yves Saint Laurent – Y Men

If you’re looking for a cologne that well and truly captures your youthful spirit, Yves Saint Laurent Y is the perfect choice.

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This unique scent has layers of fruity top notes with apple, bergamot, and ginger, balanced out with herbal middle notes of sage, juniper berries, and geranium. The base of tonka bean, woods, and vetiver ensures this cologne is strong enough to last all day long.

Just one spritz will give you an aura of elegance that will make you feel confident wherever you go! It’s the perfect way for teenage guys to show off their style in any situation.

 

23. 23 by Michael Jordan

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Introducing 23, the cologne with attitude! This bold and daring scent will have you feeling like a superstar. Featuring top-notch notes of fig leaf, magnolia, black currant, watermelon, and grapefruit, this floral fragrance will have you smelling fresh all day long.

Time has only made this cologne better; it’s been around for nearly 20 years and is still just as cool as ever! Whether you’re hitting up the town or chilling out at home, 23 has you covered. Try it today and feel like an icon!

 

24. Jimmy Choo – Man

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If you really want to elevate your cologne game. Introducing Jimmy Choo Man, the perfect scent for those that don’t want to blend in with the crowd.

This modern and vibrant fragrance is made of unique notes, including pineapple, suede, lavender, melon, pepper, and patchouli. It’s not too strong but still has enough power to make a statement when you walk into the room!

With its subtle sweetness and charisma, your object of affection will be swooning every time you spritz some on. Get yourself Jimmy Choo Man cologne today, and let everyone know who the coolest guy in town is!

25. Dior Homme – Sport

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If you’re a guy who wants to live life in the fast lane, then Dior Homme Sport is the cologne for you.

It’s cool and nonchalant with its sharp citrus notes and explosive spicy vibes, plus it has a woody base of sandalwood and vetiver that’ll make you feel like royalty.

Plus, once you spritz it on in the morning, its strong scent will keep you feeling energized throughout the day; no need for reapplication! With this one cologne, your scent game will be stronger than ever before!

26. Dolce & Gabbana – Light Blue

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Look no further than Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Cologne Spray for Men. This cool and sophisticated cologne is perfect for any special occasion, like homecoming or prom.

You’ll love the crisp combination of Sicilian mandarin, grapefruit peel, and juniper that will keep you smelling amazing all night long. Plus, it won’t break the bank, so treat yourself!

Make sure your next special event is unforgettable with the unique scent of this stylish cologne spray.

Finding the perfect cologne can be daunting, especially when so many options exist. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 26 best colognes for teenage guys!

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Whether you’re into musky scents or prefer something more subtle and sweet, our list has you covered. Not only do these fragrances smell amazing, but they also come at great prices, so finding one that fits your budget is easy peasy.

From classic and timeless to bold and edgy, get ready to make a statement with any of these awesome colognes.

Put on your favorite scent and feel like confidence personified! So go ahead and find the perfect match for your personality and style. It’s time to rock a scent that sets you apart from the crowd!

If you’re still got questions to help make your choice, we’ve got answers. Keep reading to find out the answers to some common questions about colognes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I choose a cologne?

There are five key factors to look for when picking a cologne:

Quality

Many colognes on the market are basic and artificial. We only included scents that don’t smell like your high school locker room, including some made with natural infusions to make sure you smell your best.

Longevity

You need something that lasts all day long, so we picked out colognes known for their performance power. One application, and you’ll be set for hours!

Youthful scent

Teenagers don’t want to smell too mature or heavy; our recommendations include fresh and clean scents perfect for both school and casual occasions, plus a few special occasion picks that are still edgy and fun.

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Price

We know teenage guys are looking for the good stuff without breaking the bank. Most of our colognes are totally affordable, but if you’re looking to treat yourself, we included some luxury options too.

Is cologne the same thing as perfume?

Cologne and perfume are different because of the amount of fragrance oils they contain. Cologne usually contains a lower concentration of fragrance oils and has a lighter, fresher scent that doesn’t last as long. Perfume, on the other hand, has a much higher concentration of fragrance oils, and the scent is more intense and long-lasting. Cologne is generally considered more appropriate for daytime wear, while perfume is often reserved for special occasions or evening wear. However, these conventions are not set in stone and ultimately depend on personal preference.

Can you wear cologne to school?

Yes, you can wear cologne to school, but it’s important to use it in moderation. Schools are often enclosed spaces with many people in close proximity, and wearing too much cologne can be overwhelming and distracting to others. One or two sprays of a light, fresh scent should be enough to smell nice without being overpowering. Additionally, it’s important to consider any school policies on fragrance, as some schools may prohibit wearing fragrances due to allergies or other health concerns. Always remember to be respectful of others and use your cologne sparingly.

Can you mix colognes together?

It’s totally possible to mix different colognes together, but you have to be careful. Too many scents can quickly become overwhelming and smell not-so-great. If you’re going to go for a mix, start with small amounts and test it out on your skin first.

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Remember, the scents have to complement each other instead of clashing.

Some people love to experiment, while others stick to their signature scent — that’s all up to you. Just make sure you don’t go overboard when it comes to fragrance, okay?

Is there any danger with wearing cologne?

Although there are some potential health risks associated with wearing cologne, these reactions are rare and typically only happen for people who already have an existing sensitivity or allergy to fragrances.

Just remember to follow all the instructions on the label and use it in moderation – that’s all you need to do to make sure you’re giving your look the perfect finishing touch without any worries.

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If you have a history of allergies to certain fragrances or asthma, talk to your doctor before wearing a cologne.

Finding the right cologne can be a fun and exciting journey for teenage guys looking to express themselves and enhance their personal style.

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article, discussing the best colognes for teenage guys and tips for wearing cologne. Ultimately, the most important factor in selecting a fragrance is finding one that resonates with your personality and tastes.

Experiment with different scents, try new brands and have fun along the way. And remember, wearing cologne isn’t just about smelling great – it’s about feeling confident, boosting your self-esteem, and making a lasting impression.

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This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as wedding-guest outfits, purses, plus-size swimsuits, women’s sneakers, bridal shapewear, and perfect gift ideas for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post.

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The Shop With Us team may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. In addition, Us Weekly receives compensation from the manufacturer of the products we write about when you click on a link and then purchase the product featured in an article. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product or service is featured or recommended. Shop With Us operates independently from the advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at ShopWithUs@usmagazine.com. Happy shopping!

Branded content. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Need to make a good impression? Check out this guide for the best colognes for teenage guys. See which combo of musk, fruit, and spices will suit you best! Nowadays, it’s all about having the right 

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Business

How Epstein’s Cash Shaped Artists, Agencies, and Algorithms

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Jeffrey Epstein’s money did more than buy private jets and legal leverage. It flowed into the same ecosystem that decides which artists get pushed to the front, which research gets labeled “cutting edge,” and which stories about race and power are treated as respectable debate instead of hate speech. That doesn’t mean he sat in a control room programming playlists. It means his worldview seeped into institutions that already shape what we hear, see, and believe.

The Gatekeepers and Their Stains

The fallout around Casey Wasserman is a vivid example of how this works. Wasserman built a powerhouse talent and marketing agency that controls a major slice of sports, entertainment, and the global touring business. When the Epstein files revealed friendly, flirtatious exchanges between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, and documented his ties to Epstein’s circle, artists and staff began to question whose money and relationships were quietly underwriting their careers.

That doesn’t prove Epstein “created” any particular star. But it shows that a man deeply entangled with Epstein was sitting at a choke point: deciding which artists get representation, which tours get resources, which festivals and campaigns happen. In an industry built on access and favor, proximity to someone like Epstein is not just gossip; it signals which values are tolerated at the top.

When a gatekeeper with that history sits between artists and the public, “the industry” stops being an abstract machine and starts looking like a web of human choices — choices that, for years, were made in rooms where Epstein’s name wasn’t considered a disqualifier.

Funding Brains, Not Just Brands

Epstein’s interest in culture didn’t end with celebrity selfies. He was obsessed with the science of brains, intelligence, and behavior — and that’s where his money begins to overlap with how audiences are modeled and, eventually, how algorithms are trained.

He cultivated relationships with scientists at elite universities and funded research into genomics, cognition, and brain development. In one high‑profile case, a UCLA professor specializing in music and the brain corresponded with Epstein for years and accepted funding for an institute focused on how music affects neural circuits. On its face, that looks like straightforward philanthropy. Put it next to his email trail and a different pattern appears.

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Epstein’s correspondence shows him pushing eugenics and “race science” again and again — arguing that genetic differences explain test score gaps between Black and white people, promoting the idea of editing human beings under the euphemism of “genetic altruism,” and surrounding himself with thinkers who entertained those frames. One researcher in his orbit described Black children as biologically better suited to running and hunting than to abstract thinking.

So you have a financier who is:

  • Funding brain and behavior research.
  • Deeply invested in ranking human groups by intelligence.
  • Embedded in networks that shape both scientific agendas and cultural production.

None of that proves a specific piece of music research turned into a specific Spotify recommendation. But it does show how his ideology was given time, money, and legitimacy in the very spaces that define what counts as serious knowledge about human minds.

How Ideas Leak Into Algorithms

There is another layer that is easier to see: what enters the knowledge base that machines learn from.

Fringe researchers recently misused a large U.S. study of children’s genetics and brain development to publish papers claiming racial hierarchies in IQ and tying Black people’s economic outcomes to supposed genetic deficits. Those papers then showed up as sources in answers from large AI systems when users asked about race and intelligence. Even after mainstream scientists criticized the work, it had already entered both the academic record and the training data of systems that help generate and rank content.

Epstein did not write those specific papers, but he funded the kind of people and projects that keep race‑IQ discourse alive inside elite spaces. Once that thinking is in the mix, recommendation engines and search systems don’t have to be explicitly racist to reproduce it. They simply mirror what’s in their training data and what has been treated as “serious” research.

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Zoomed out, the pipeline looks less like a neat conspiracy and more like an ecosystem:

  • Wealthy men fund “edgy” work on genes, brains, and behavior.
  • Some of that work revives old racist ideas with new data and jargon.
  • Those studies get scraped, indexed, and sometimes amplified by AI systems.
  • The same platforms host and boost music, video, and news — making decisions shaped by engagement patterns built on biased narratives.

The algorithm deciding what you see next is standing downstream from all of this.

The Celebrity as Smoke Screen

Epstein’s contact lists are full of directors, actors, musicians, authors, and public intellectuals. Many now insist they had no idea what he was doing. Some probably didn’t; others clearly chose not to ask. From Epstein’s perspective, the value of those relationships is obvious.

Being seen in orbit around beloved artists and cultural figures created a reputational firewall. If the public repeatedly saw him photographed with geniuses, Oscar winners, and hit‑makers, their brains filed him under “eccentric patron” rather than “dangerous predator.”

That softens the landing for his ideas, too. Race science sounds less toxic when it’s discussed over dinner at a university‑backed salon or exchanged in emails with a famous thinker.

The more oxygen is spent on the celebrity angle — who flew on which plane, who sat at which dinner — the less attention is left for what may matter more in the long run: the way his money and ideology were welcomed by institutions that shape culture and knowledge.

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Ghislaine Maxwell seen alongside Jeffrey Epstein in newly-released Epstein files from the DOJ. (DOJ)

What to Love, Who to Fear

The point is not to claim that Jeffrey Epstein was secretly programming your TikTok feed or hand‑picking your favorite rapper. The deeper question is what happens when a man with his worldview is allowed to invest in the people and institutions that decide:

  • Which artists are “marketable.”
  • Which scientific questions are “important.”
  • Which studies are “serious” enough to train our machines on.
  • Which faces and stories are framed as aspirational — and which as dangerous.

If your media diet feels saturated with certain kinds of Black representation — hyper‑visible in music and sports, under‑represented in positions of uncontested authority — while “objective” science quietly debates Black intelligence, that’s not random drift. It’s the outcome of centuries of narrative work that men like Epstein bought into and helped sustain.

No one can draw a straight, provable line from his bank account to a specific song or recommendation. But the lines he did draw — to elite agencies, to brain and music research, to race‑obsessed science networks — are enough to show this: his money was not only paying for crimes in private. It was also buying him a seat at the tables where culture and knowledge are made, where the stories about who to love and who to fear get quietly agreed upon.

Bill Clinton and English musician Mick Jagger in newly-released Epstein files from the DOJ. (DOJ)

A Challenge to Filmmakers and Creatives

For anyone making culture inside this system, that’s the uncomfortable part: this isn’t just a story about “them.” It’s also a story about you.

Filmmakers, showrunners, musicians, actors, and writers all sit at points where money, narrative, and visibility intersect. You rarely control where the capital ultimately comes from, but you do control what you validate, what you reproduce, and what you challenge.

Questions worth carrying into every room:

  • Whose gaze are you serving when you pitch, cast, and cut?
  • Which Black characters are being centered — and are they full humans or familiar stereotypes made safe for gatekeepers?
  • When someone says a project is “too political,” “too niche,” or “bad for the algorithm,” whose comfort is really being protected?
  • Are you treating “the industry” as a neutral force, or as a set of human choices you can push against?

If wealth like Epstein’s can quietly seep into agencies, labs, and institutions that decide what gets made and amplified, then the stories you choose to tell — and refuse to tell — become one of the few levers of resistance inside that machine. You may not control every funding source, but you can decide whether your work reinforces a world where Black people are data points and aesthetics, or one where they are subjects, authors, and owners.

The industry will always have its “gatekeepers.” The open question is whether creatives accept that role as fixed, or start behaving like counter‑programmers: naming the patterns, refusing easy archetypes, and building alternative pathways, platforms, and partnerships wherever possible. In a landscape where money has long been used to decide what to love and who to fear, your choices about whose stories get light are not just artistic decisions. They are acts of power.

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Entertainment

You wanted to make movies, not decode Epstein. Too late.

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That’s the realization hanging over anyone picking up a camera right now. You didn’t sign up to be a forensic analyst of flight logs, sealed documents, or “unverified tips.” You wanted to tell stories. But your audience lives in a world where every new leak, every exposed celebrity, every dead‑end investigation feeds into one blunt conclusion:

Nobody at the top is clean. And nobody in charge is really coming to save us.

If you’re still making films in this moment, the question isn’t whether you’ll respond to that. You already are, whether you intend to or not. The real question is: will your work help people move, or help them go numb?

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Your Audience Doesn’t Believe in Grown‑Ups Anymore

Look at the timeline your viewers live in:

  • Names tied to Epstein.
  • Names tied to trafficking.
  • Names tied to abuse, exploitation, coverups.
  • Carefully worded statements, high‑priced lawyers, and “no admission of wrongdoing.”

And in between all of that: playlists, memes, awards shows, campaign ads, and glossy biopics about “legends” we now know were monsters to someone.

If you’re under 35, this is your normal. You grew up:

  • Watching childhood heroes get exposed one after another.
  • Hearing “open secrets” whispered for years before anyone with power pretended to care.
  • Seeing survivors discredited, then quietly vindicated when it was too late to matter.

So when the next leak drops and another “icon” is implicated, the shock isn’t that it happened. The shock is how little changes.

This is the psychic landscape your work drops into. People aren’t just asking, “Is this movie good?” They’re asking, often subconsciously: “Does this filmmaker understand the world I’m actually living in, or are they still selling me the old fantasy?”

HCFF
HCFF

You’re Not Just Telling Stories. You’re Translating a Crisis of Trust.

You may not want the job, but you have it: you’re a translator in a time when language itself feels rigged.

Politicians put out statements. Corporations put out statements. Studios put out statements. The public has learned to hear those as legal strategies, not moral positions.

You, on the other hand, still have this small window of trust. Not blind trust—your audience is too skeptical for that—but curious trust. They’ll give you 90 minutes, maybe a season, to see if you can make sense of what they’re feeling:

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  • The rage at systems that protect predators.
  • The confusion when people they admired turn out to be complicit.
  • The dread that this is all so big, so entrenched, that nothing they do matters.

If your work dodges that, it doesn’t just feel “light.” It feels dishonest.

That doesn’t mean every film has to be a trafficking exposé. It means even your “small” stories are now taking place in a world where institutions have failed in ways we can’t unsee. If you pretend otherwise, the audience can feel the lie in the walls.


Numbness Is the Real Villain You’re Up Against

You asked for something that could inspire movement and change. To do that, you have to understand the enemy that’s closest to home:

It’s not only the billionaire on the jet. It’s numbness.

Numbness is what happens when your nervous system has been hit with too much horror and too little justice. It looks like apathy, but it’s not. It’s self‑defense. It says:

  • “If I let myself feel this, I’ll break.”
  • “If I care again and nothing changes, I’ll lose my mind.”
  • “If everyone at the top is corrupt, why should I bother being good?”

When you entertain without acknowledging this, you help people stay comfortably numb. When you only horrify without hope, you push them deeper into it.

Your job is more dangerous and more sacred than that. Your job is to take numbness seriously—and then pierce it.

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How?

  • By creating characters who feel exactly what your audience feels: overwhelmed, angry, hopeless.
  • By letting those characters try anyway—in flawed, realistic, human ways.
  • By refusing to end every story with “the system wins, nothing matters,” even if you can’t promise a clean victory.

Movement doesn’t start because everyone suddenly believes they can win. It starts because enough people decide they’d rather lose fighting than win asleep.

Show that decision.


Don’t Just Expose Monsters. Expose Mechanisms.

If you make work that brushes against Epstein‑type themes, avoid the easiest trap: turning it into a “one bad guy” tale.

The real horror isn’t one predator. It’s how many people, institutions, and incentives it takes to keep a predator powerful.

If you want your work to fuel real change:

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  • Show the assistants and staffers who notice something is off and choose silence—or risk.
  • Show the PR teams whose entire job is to wash blood off brands.
  • Show the industry rituals—the invite‑only parties, the “you’re one of us now” moments—where complicity becomes a form of currency.
  • Show the fans, watching allegations pile up against someone who shaped their childhood, and the war inside them between denial and conscience.

When you map the mechanism, you give people a way to see where they fit in that machine. You also help them imagine where it can be broken.


Your Camera Is a Weapon. Choose a Target.

In a moment like this, neutrality is a story choice—and the audience knows it.

Ask yourself, project by project:

  • Who gets humanized? If you give more depth to the abuser than the abused, that says something.
  • Who gets the last word? Is it the lawyer’s statement, the spin doctor, the jaded bystander—or the person who was actually harmed?
  • What gets framed as inevitable? Corruption? Cowardice? Or courage?

You don’t have to sermonize. But you do have to choose. If your work shrugs and says, “That’s just how it is,” don’t be surprised when it lands like anesthetic instead of ignition.

Ignition doesn’t require a happy ending. It just requires a crack—a moment where someone unexpected refuses to play along. A survivor who won’t recant. A worker who refuses the payout. A friend who believes the kid the first time.

Those tiny acts are how movements start in real life. Put them on screen like they matter, because they do.

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Stop Waiting for Permission

A lot of people in your position are still quietly waiting—for a greenlight, for a grant, for a “better time,” for the industry to decide it’s ready for harsher truths.

Here’s the harshest truth of all: the system you’re waiting on is the same one your audience doesn’t trust.

So maybe the movement doesn’t start with the perfectly packaged, studio‑approved, four‑quadrant expose. Maybe it starts with:

  • A microbudget feature that refuses to flatter power.
  • A doc shot on borrowed gear that traces one tiny piece of the web with obsessive honesty.
  • A series of shorts that make it emotionally impossible to look at “open secrets” as jokes anymore.
  • A narrative film that never names Epstein once, but makes the logic that created him impossible to unsee.

If you do your job right, people will leave your work not just “informed,” but uncomfortable with their own passivity—and with a clearer sense of where their own leverage actually lives.


The Movement You Can Actually Spark

You are not going to single‑handedly dismantle trafficking, corruption, or elite impunity with one film. That’s not your job.

Your job is to help people:

  • Feel again where they’ve gone numb.
  • Name clearly what they’ve only sensed in fragments.
  • See themselves not as background extras in someone else’s empire, but as moral agents with choices that matter.

If your film makes one survivor feel seen instead of crazy, that’s movement.
If it makes one young viewer question why they still worship a predator, that’s movement.
If it makes one industry person think twice before staying silent, that’s movement.

And movements, despite what the history montages pretend, are not made of big moments. They’re made of a million small, private decisions to stop lying—to others, and to ourselves.

You wanted to make movies, not decode Epstein.

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Too late.

You’re here. The curtain’s already been pulled back. Use your camera to decide what we look at now: more distraction from what we know, or a clearer view of it.

One of those choices helps people forget.
The other might just help them remember who they are—and what they refuse to tolerate—long enough to do something about it.

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Business & Money

Ghislaine Maxwell Just Told Congress She’ll Talk — If Trump Frees Her

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February 9, 2026 — Ghislaine Maxwell tried to bargain with Congress from a prison video call.

Maxwell, the woman convicted of helping Jeffrey Epstein traffic underage girls, appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee today and refused to answer a single question. She invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self‑incrimination on every substantive topic, including Epstein’s network, his associates, and any powerful figures who moved through his orbit.

Maxwell is serving a 20‑year federal sentence at a prison camp in Texas after being found guilty in 2021 of sex‑trafficking, conspiracy, and related charges. Her trial exposed a pattern of recruiting and grooming minors for Epstein’s abuse, and her conviction has been upheld on appeal. Despite that legal reality, her appearance today was less about accountability and more about negotiation.

Her lawyer, David Markus, told lawmakers that Maxwell would be willing to “speak fully and honestly” about Epstein and his world — but only if President Donald Trump grants her clemency or a pardon. Markus also claimed she could clear both Trump and Bill Clinton of wrongdoing related to Epstein, a statement critics immediately dismissed as a political play rather than a genuine bid for truth.

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Republican Chair James Comer has already said he does not support clemency for Maxwell, and several Democrats accused her of trying to leverage her potential knowledge of powerful people as a way to escape prison. To many survivors’ advocates, the spectacle reinforced the sense that the system is more sympathetic to the powerful than to the victims.

At the same time, Congress is now reviewing roughly 3.5 million pages of Epstein‑related documents that the Justice Department has made available under tight restrictions. Lawmakers must view them on secure computers at the DOJ, with no phones allowed and no copies permitted. Early reports suggest that at least six male individuals, including one high‑ranking foreign official, had their names and images redacted without clear legal justification.

Those unredacted files are supposed to answer questions about who knew what, and when. The problem is that Maxwell is signaling she may never answer any of them — unless she is set free. As of February 9, 2026, the story is still this: a convicted trafficker is using her silence as leverage, Congress is sifting through a wall of redacted files, and the public is still waiting to see who really stood behind Epstein’s power.

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