Woody Allen once likened Jeffrey Epstein’s home to “Castle Dracula” with “young female vampires who service the place”.

In a letter the film director allegedly sent the paedophile financier as part of a ledger of messages for his 63rd birthday, Allen apparently recounted dinner gatherings that Epstein hosted.

In the typewritten note obtained by The New York Times, Allen allegedly described Epstein’s sprawling Manhattan townhouse as “Castle Dracula”, and referenced the 1931 film adaptation of the novel, in which actor Bela Lugosi starred as the count.

Allen wrote that the meals were often served “by several young women reminding one of Castle Dracula where Lugosi has three young female vampires who service the place”.

He continued: “Add to this that Jeffrey lives in a vast house alone, one can picture him sleeping in damp earth.”