Jeffrey Epstein’s Most Prominent Client; the Trouble at Hillsong; J.Law’s Revelations

[The best Vanity Fair stories of 2021.]( [View in your browser]( | [Update your preferences](newsletter=vf) [Vanity Fair's Cocktail Hour logo image]( A daily digest of things to discuss over drinks December 30, 2021 Cocktail Hour continues the countdown of 2021’s most popular stories. Today, revisit Jennifer Lawrence’s revealing cover story, a celebrity-pastor scandal, and the Midwestern businessman behind Jeffrey Epstein’s wealth. [10. Donald Trump Refused to Take ‘No’ From Women—And Then From America Itself]( [Donald Trump is leaving office with a reputation marred by two impeachments, multiple scandals, and a violent assault on the U.S. Capitol. Before all that, there were the women who accused him of sexual assault.]( [R E A D M O R E »]( [9. The Weeknd’s Super Bowl 2021 Halftime Show Broke Long-Standing Traditions]( [Despite speculation that he might be joined by other artists, the spotlight was focused firmly on the 30-year-old chart-topper and an array of backup dancers and singers.]( [R E A D M O R E »]( [8. Jennifer Lawrence: “I Didn’t Have a Life. I Thought I Should Go Get One”]( [After a long break, the Oscar winner returns with the ferocious satire Don’t Look Up, and talks to V.F. about love, fame, and boundaries.]( [R E A D M O R E »]( [7. Carl Lentz and the Trouble at Hillsong]( [As the New York head of celebrity-favorite megachurch Hillsong, Lentz achieved his own kind of stardom. When a cheating scandal blew up the pastor’s life, some Hillsong congregants were left to question their relationship with a church that cultivated its own kind of fame—and the double standards that often came with it.]( [R E A D M O R E »]( [6. The Mogul and the Monster: Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Decades-Long Relationship With His Biggest Client]( [Of the many mysteries that still surround the life and crimes of the notorious financier, the source of his wealth, and thus his power, might be the greatest. His long-standing business ties with his most prominent client, billionaire retail magnate Leslie Wexner, hold the key.]( [R E A D M O R E »]( Get on the list Subscribe to our Hollywood newsletter for your essential industry and awards-season news, every day. [Sign Up Now]( [Condé Nast Spotlight | The breaking news and top stories everyone is talking about. All in one place. The most popular stories from Vogue, GQ, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Wired, Architectural Digest and more. STAY INFORMED]( [Vanity Fair Logo](www.vanityfair.com) [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( This e-mail was sent to you by VANITY FAIR. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, vanityfair@newsletter.vf.com, to your address book. View our [Privacy Policy]( [Unsubscribe](newsletter=vf) Copyright © Condé Nast 2021. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.