Former Model Speaks on Late Talent Scout Daniel Siad, High-Profile Bookings, and Her New Off-Grid Journey

LAS VEGAS — Former model Deanne Drake has shared details regarding her decades-long professional relationship with her former talent scout, the late Daniel Siad, including high-value modeling arrangements involving Jeffrey Epstein.

Drake, who has lived outside the public spotlight for over 25 years, emphasized that all interactions under Siad's management—and her subsequent bookings involving Epstein—were strictly professional and involved no exploitation or misconduct.

A Chance Meeting in France

The connection between Drake and Siad dates back to 1997 in Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France. Drake, then 17 years old, was on vacation with her father when she first crossed paths with the French talent scout.

While their initial meeting established a contact, Siad and Drake maintained a professional boundary. Both parties waited until Drake reached adulthood before formalizing any legal or business agreements. When she was 32, Drake officially signed professional contracts and model releases under Siad’s management.

Las Vegas and the $100,000 Event Bookings

By 2014, while Drake was based in Las Vegas, active communication between her and Siad led to high-profile modeling opportunities. Siad secured a series of three consecutive private event bookings for her with Jeffrey Epstein, each valued at $100,000.

According to Drake, the contracts explicitly detailed that all travel—including private jet transportation—and high-end accommodations were provided as part of the formal agreement. Her initial assignment involved traveling on a private plane to New York City to meet Epstein. Drake confirmed that she professionally reviewed and accepted all terms of the contracts prior to the events.

Rebuffing Case Involvement and Navigating Backlash

Following Epstein’s arrest and eventual conviction, Drake was never named as a participant or witness in the legal proceedings surrounding the case. She maintains that every transaction and event was conducted on a strictly professional basis, reiterating that neither Siad nor Epstein ever sexually exploited or mistreated her.

Despite her account, Drake acknowledges that her perspective has drawn friction from some survivors and advocacy groups who expressed frustration over her stance. Drake noted that being targeted or disliked by others over her professional experiences was emotionally difficult to navigate, and she was later diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of the high-profile court cases and media coverage.

Drake also expressed deep sadness over the recent passing of Siad, remembering him strictly as a respectful, professional talent manager who maintained proper boundaries throughout their working relationship.

Life After the Spotlight: Sustainability and Handcrafts

Having largely stepped away from the entertainment and modeling industries for more than two decades, Drake now leads a quiet, off-grid lifestyle.

Channeling her focus into environmental stewardship, she is relaunching an online platform designed to support independent artisans, handcrafters, and locally owned small businesses across the United States. Drake stated that her company's vision centers on eco-friendly, organic, and natural products, aiming to give back to the environment while empowering American craftspeople.