The US Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files is facing renewed scrutiny after a CBS News investigation identified references to classified material and gaps in document numbering that may point to records missing from the public release. The findings raise questions about the completeness of the disclosure process and come just a week before the November 3 US midterms, where US President Donald Trump's party faces the challenge of retaining control of the US House of Representatives. Furthermore, it comes on the heels of a report by the House Judiciary Committee Democrats, which lays out what they call "the case against Donald Trump emerging in the Epstein Files and DOJ's desperate efforts to cover it up". The report calls for an independent special counsel to investigate the president, Attorney General Todd Blanche's alleged conflicts of interest, and the Justice Department's reluctance to share evidence with state and foreign law enforcement.Attorney General Todd Blanche has previously said the DOJ was not withholding Epstein records on national security grounds. Yet documents reviewed by CBS News indicate that the Office of the Deputy Attorney General received material labelled as classified in March 2025. An email from the FBI’s National Security Classification Operations Unit also referred to three documents that “remain classified”. Their contents and the reasons for their classification remain unclear.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-s-best-friend-epstein-trump-accused-of-rape-by-ex-miss-switzerland-beatrice-keul-alleges-trump-raped-her-in-1993-democrats-report-1793069124230">Trump accused of 'brutal' rape by ex-Miss Switzerland; Beatrice Keul alleges 'Don's best friend' Epstein facilitated assault in 1993</a><h2>Document numbers reveal gaps</h2>According to the DOJ, it collected approximately six million pages related to Epstein. However, the so-called Epstein file dump, till date, consists of only around three million files. In January, the department confirmed that after reviewing the material for duplication, legal privilege and relevance, its total production under the Epstein Files Transparency Act had reached nearly 3.5 million pages.CBS analysed the numbering systems attached to the released records, including Bates numbers used to organise documents in legal proceedings. Its review found gaps in sequences associated with financial records, bank documents and emails.One example involved a collection of roughly 4,500 images of checks linked to Epstein’s accounts. The analysis identified 66 apparently missing check images. CBS also found gaps in an earlier numbering sequence covering emails involving Epstein, his associates, assistant Lesley Groff and convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell.However, gaps in numbering do not, by themselves, establish why records were removed. Some email exchanges may have been excluded as duplicates during processing, while mistakes are another possible explanation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-allege-desperate-efforts-to-cover-up-trump-s-involvement-in-jeffrey-epstein-sex-crimes-release-50-page-report-1793079539061">Democrats allege 'desperate efforts to cover up' Trump's involvement in Jeffrey Epstein sex crimes, release 50-page report</a><h2>DOJ faces questions over withheld material</h2>The department has maintained that material not released falls into categories including duplicate records, privileged documents and material unrelated to Epstein or the cases covered by the law. Its public explanation also cites legal restrictions designed to protect victims and other sensitive information. However, notably, a shameful debacle the DOJ had to face earlier this year included the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-files-debacle-doj-exposes-nude-victims-in-catastrophic-file-dump-but-remembers-to-redact-trump-s-face-1770021222053">release of nude photos of victims, including minors</a>, even as all instances of US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-photo-vanishes-from-epstein-files-then-reappears-doj-claims-it-was-deleted-out-of-an-abundance-of-caution-sparks-cover-up-claims-1766368755262">Donald Trump's face were removed from the Epstein files dump</a>.Former US attorney Barbara McQuade questioned the apparent gaps in financial records, telling CBS that such records were not a permissible category for removal under the law. "It's the reason you have Bates numbers, so you notice something like that," she said.Journalist Katie Phang has separately sued the DOJ, seeking further disclosures and an explanation of redactions and removals. She is also asking the court to appoint a special master to review the files. The DOJ, as per the report, is appealing rulings made in Phang's favour.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-dead-for-years-paedophile-jeffrey-epstein-finds-mention-in-over-500-campaign-ads-texas-alone-spent-10-million-1792839624663">US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million</a>"If it wasn't intentional, then was it gross negligence? Were you just lazy? If it was intentional, then I think there's [expletive] there that they don't want people to see," Phang told CBS News. "My speculation runs an entire spectrum of reaction — but at the end of the day it just makes the DOJ look bad," Phang told CBS. &nbsp;<h2>Mistakes or malicious errors? When DOJ accepted removing photos of Trump ally</h2>The DOJ has acknowledged errors in its handling of the files, including the removal and subsequent restoration of a photograph of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick visiting Epstein’s island in 2012. Notably, the image contradicted Lutnick's claim about his contact with the paedophile.For now, the central question remains whether the unexplained gaps reflect duplication, processing errors or records that should have been disclosed but were hidden from the public.

A CBS News investigation has identified references to classified material and gaps in the released Epstein files, raising fresh questions about the US Justice Department’s transparency. Here's all you need to know about the latest Trump DOJ-Epstein files controversy.

The US Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files is facing renewed scrutiny after a CBS News investigation identified references to classified material and gaps in document numbering that may point to records missing from the public release. The findings raise questions about the completeness of the disclosure process and come just a week before the November 3 US midterms, where US President Donald Trump's party faces the challenge of retaining control of the US House of Representatives. Furthermore, it comes on the heels of a report by the House Judiciary Committee Democrats, which lays out what they call "the case against Donald Trump emerging in the Epstein Files and DOJ's desperate efforts to cover it up". The report calls for an independent special counsel to investigate the president, Attorney General Todd Blanche's alleged conflicts of interest, and the Justice Department's reluctance to share evidence with state and foreign law enforcement. Attorney General Todd Blanche has previously said the DOJ was not withholding Epstein records on national security grounds. Yet documents reviewed by CBS News indicate that the Office of the Deputy Attorney General received material labelled as classified in March 2025. An email from the FBI’s National Security Classification Operations Unit also referred to three documents that “remain classified”. Their contents and the reasons for their classification remain unclear. Also read | Trump accused of 'brutal' rape by ex-Miss Switzerland; Beatrice Keul alleges 'Don's best friend' Epstein facilitated assault in 1993 Document numbers reveal gaps According to the DOJ, it collected approximately six million pages related to Epstein. However, the so-called Epstein file dump, till date, consists of only around three million files. In January, the department confirmed that after reviewing the material for duplication, legal privilege and relevance, its total production under the Epstein Files Transparency Act had reached nearly 3.5 million pages. CBS analysed the numbering systems attached to the released records, including Bates numbers used to organise documents in legal proceedings. Its review found gaps in sequences associated with financial records, bank documents and emails. One example involved a collection of roughly 4,500 images of checks linked to Epstein’s accounts. The analysis identified 66 apparently missing check images. CBS also found gaps in an earlier numbering sequence covering emails involving Epstein, his associates, assistant Lesley Groff and convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. However, gaps in numbering do not, by themselves, establish why records were removed. Some email exchanges may have been excluded as duplicates during processing, while mistakes are another possible explanation. Also read | Democrats allege 'desperate efforts to cover up' Trump's involvement in Jeffrey Epstein sex crimes, release 50-page report DOJ faces questions over withheld material The department has maintained that material not released falls into categories including duplicate records, privileged documents and material unrelated to Epstein or the cases covered by the law. Its public explanation also cites legal restrictions designed to protect victims and other sensitive information. However, notably, a shameful debacle the DOJ had to face earlier this year included the release of nude photos of victims, including minors, even as all instances of US President Donald Trump's face were removed from the Epstein files dump. Former US attorney Barbara McQuade questioned the apparent gaps in financial records, telling CBS that such records were not a permissible category for removal under the law. "It's the reason you have Bates numbers, so you notice something like that," she said. Journalist Katie Phang has separately sued the DOJ, seeking further disclosures and an explanation of redactions and removals. She is also asking the court to appoint a special master to review the files. The DOJ, as per the report, is appealing rulings made in Phang's favour. Also read | US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million "If it wasn't intentional, then was it gross negligence? Were you just lazy? If it was intentional, then I think there's [expletive] there that they don't want people to see," Phang told CBS News. "My speculation runs an entire spectrum of reaction — but at the end of the day it just makes the DOJ look bad," Phang told CBS. Mistakes or malicious errors? When DOJ accepted removing photos of Trump ally The DOJ has acknowledged errors in its handling of the files, including the removal and subsequent restoration of a photograph of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick visiting Epstein’s island in 2012. Notably, the image contradicted Lutnick's claim about his contact with the paedophile. For now, the central question remains whether the unexplained gaps reflect duplication, processing errors or records that should have been disclosed but were hidden from the public.

A CBS News investigation has identified references to classified material and gaps in the released Epstein files, raising fresh questions about the US Justice Department’s transparency. Here's all you need to know about the latest Trump DOJ-Epstein files controversy.

'Gross negligence' or something else? DOJ Epstein files release faces fresh scrutiny after investigation spots unexplained gaps and redactions

A former model and Miss Switzerland has accused US President Donald Trump of rape in a report released Monday (Oct 26) by House Democrats investigating the president's alleged ties to disgraced financier and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. Beatrice Keul, who before the 2024 election claimed Trump had groped her in November 1993, has now alleged the president also raped her during that same incident. The report, produced after interviews with Democratic committee staffers "over several weeks", says Keul met Trump when she was 24 at a press event for a pageant at New York's Plaza Hotel, which he owned at the time.According to the report, Trump allegedly promised to arrange a visa for her and said he could ensure she got accepted into New York University. "I will take care of you," he told her, the claims state.The fresh rape allegations against the POTUS landed a week before the US midterm elections. Trump's handling of the Epstein files, along with inflation and rising energy prices caused by his war with Iran, have emerged as key points in the upcoming elections.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-dead-for-years-paedophile-jeffrey-epstein-finds-mention-in-over-500-campaign-ads-texas-alone-spent-10-million-1792839624663">US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million</a><h2>Don's best friend, Epstein</h2>After Trump stepped away, Keul said she was approached by convicted sex trafficker Epstein, who described himself as "Don's best friend", and invited her to a party at Mar-a-Lago. "We organise many parties with Don," Epstein apparently told her.Notably, Trump claims he ended his friendship with Epstein long before there were suspicions of criminal wrongdoing and has repeatedly described him as a "creep" whom he kicked out of his Mar-a-Lago club.<h2>The alleged assault</h2>The report claims a representative for Trump later invited Keul to meet the future president upstairs at the Plaza Hotel. "Upon entering, Trump reportedly grabbed Keul from behind and forcibly raped her; in the process, tearing her dress and causing bleeding and bruising on multiple parts of her body," the report claimed. “Keul described the rape as 'brutal'.”Following the alleged assault, Keul claimed Trump "sat her on the edge of the bed, repeated his promises to arrange for a visa and NYU admission, and made her promise she would keep quiet, saying, '[T]he show must go on.'"In her original claims in October 2024, Keul accused Trump of groping her at the Plaza Hotel in 1993 but said things did not go further. "He kissed me on the lips and on the neck. He tried to lift my dress. He was grabbing and touching my body everywhere he could," she told The Daily Mail. "I tried everything I could. Finally, I said 'let's talk first' or something like that, then he slowed down,' she said at the time.The 6 ft 1 in ex-model suggested it was her height that "saved her" from the alleged attack escalating. The newspaper also reported that a long-time friend said Keul "first told him her story of Trump's unwanted sexual advances 20 years ago, and that her telling of the incident has not changed in the intervening years."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-victory-claims-200-days-of-war-is-trump-s-iran-gamble-turning-into-a-midterm-nightmare-us-midterms-2026-1790843647554">100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare?</a><h2>White House response</h2>The White House has denied the report's allegations. A spokesperson, as per The Telegraph, described the claims as "a desperate attempt by crazed Democrats to distract Americans from the surging Republican momentum driven by President Trump's historic achievements."At the time of the original claims, Karoline Leavitt, then press secretary to Trump, described the allegations as "fake." In a statement to Time magazine regarding the new allegations, a spokesman said Trump had been "fully exonerated of anything related to Epstein."<h2>Keul not the only person to accuse Trump of rape</h2>The newly released report summarises the accounts of four other women who have accused Trump of rape or sexual assault. It also claims that Trump, Epstein and others used the pageant at the Plaza Hotel as a "'hunting ground' to prey on vulnerable young women and girls.""Five women have directly accused Trump of rape or sexual assault in Epstein's company or presence; others have indicated that Epstein or Maxwell attempted to traffic them to Trump," Jamie Raskin, the committee's ranking member, said in a statement alongside the release of the report. "Trump's Justice Department appears to be covering up these crimes to protect the President," he added. &nbsp;

Beatrice Keul, a former model and Miss Switzerland, has accused Donald Trump of rape in a Democratic Party report released Monday, adding to her earlier groping claims from 1993. The White House dismissed the claims as "a desperate attempt by crazed Democrats."

A former model and Miss Switzerland has accused US President Donald Trump of rape in a report released Monday (Oct 26) by House Democrats investigating the president's alleged ties to disgraced financier and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. Beatrice Keul, who before the 2024 election claimed Trump had groped her in November 1993, has now alleged the president also raped her during that same incident. The report, produced after interviews with Democratic committee staffers "over several weeks", says Keul met Trump when she was 24 at a press event for a pageant at New York's Plaza Hotel, which he owned at the time. According to the report, Trump allegedly promised to arrange a visa for her and said he could ensure she got accepted into New York University. "I will take care of you," he told her, the claims state. The fresh rape allegations against the POTUS landed a week before the US midterm elections. Trump's handling of the Epstein files, along with inflation and rising energy prices caused by his war with Iran, have emerged as key points in the upcoming elections. Also read | US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million Don's best friend, Epstein After Trump stepped away, Keul said she was approached by convicted sex trafficker Epstein, who described himself as "Don's best friend", and invited her to a party at Mar-a-Lago. "We organise many parties with Don," Epstein apparently told her. Notably, Trump claims he ended his friendship with Epstein long before there were suspicions of criminal wrongdoing and has repeatedly described him as a "creep" whom he kicked out of his Mar-a-Lago club. The alleged assault The report claims a representative for Trump later invited Keul to meet the future president upstairs at the Plaza Hotel. "Upon entering, Trump reportedly grabbed Keul from behind and forcibly raped her; in the process, tearing her dress and causing bleeding and bruising on multiple parts of her body," the report claimed. “Keul described the rape as 'brutal'.” Following the alleged assault, Keul claimed Trump "sat her on the edge of the bed, repeated his promises to arrange for a visa and NYU admission, and made her promise she would keep quiet, saying, '[T]he show must go on.'" In her original claims in October 2024, Keul accused Trump of groping her at the Plaza Hotel in 1993 but said things did not go further. "He kissed me on the lips and on the neck. He tried to lift my dress. He was grabbing and touching my body everywhere he could," she told The Daily Mail. "I tried everything I could. Finally, I said 'let's talk first' or something like that, then he slowed down,' she said at the time. The 6 ft 1 in ex-model suggested it was her height that "saved her" from the alleged attack escalating. The newspaper also reported that a long-time friend said Keul "first told him her story of Trump's unwanted sexual advances 20 years ago, and that her telling of the incident has not changed in the intervening years." Also read | 100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare? White House response The White House has denied the report's allegations. A spokesperson, as per The Telegraph, described the claims as "a desperate attempt by crazed Democrats to distract Americans from the surging Republican momentum driven by President Trump's historic achievements." At the time of the original claims, Karoline Leavitt, then press secretary to Trump, described the allegations as "fake." In a statement to Time magazine regarding the new allegations, a spokesman said Trump had been "fully exonerated of anything related to Epstein." Keul not the only person to accuse Trump of rape The newly released report summarises the accounts of four other women who have accused Trump of rape or sexual assault. It also claims that Trump, Epstein and others used the pageant at the Plaza Hotel as a "'hunting ground' to prey on vulnerable young women and girls." "Five women have directly accused Trump of rape or sexual assault in Epstein's company or presence; others have indicated that Epstein or Maxwell attempted to traffic them to Trump," Jamie Raskin, the committee's ranking member, said in a statement alongside the release of the report. "Trump's Justice Department appears to be covering up these crimes to protect the President," he added.

Beatrice Keul, a former model and Miss Switzerland, has accused Donald Trump of rape in a Democratic Party report released Monday, adding to her earlier groping claims from 1993. The White House dismissed the claims as "a desperate attempt by crazed Democrats."

Trump accused of 'brutal' rape by ex-Miss Switzerland; Beatrice Keul alleges 'Don's best friend' Epstein facilitated assault in 1993

House Judiciary Committee Democrats on Monday (Oct 26) released an unsigned staff report laying out what they call "the case against Donald Trump emerging in the Epstein Files and DOJ's desperate efforts to cover it up," and are now calling for an independent special counsel to investigate the president, Attorney General Todd Blanche's alleged conflicts of interest, and the Justice Department's reluctance to share evidence with state and foreign law enforcement."The women who survived Epstein deserve to be heard," the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said in a statement. "Congress must have the complete files required by law, and an independent special counsel must investigate Epstein's co-conspirators and DOJ's cover-up and ensure that state and foreign prosecutors have the evidence they need to pursue justice."The more than 50-page report alleges that Trump was "an active participant in Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of young women in the mid-to-late 1990s." It also contains at least one entirely new allegation against the president, though it provides no direct evidence other than the woman's own conversations with Judiciary Committee staff.Notably, for years, Trump has denied that he engaged in any sexual misconduct with any woman connected to Epstein and has said he knew nothing about Epstein's crimes. He even claimed to have kicked out "creep" Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago resort in 2203.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-s-best-friend-epstein-trump-accused-of-rape-by-ex-miss-switzerland-beatrice-keul-alleges-trump-raped-her-in-1993-democrats-report-1793069124230">Trump accused of 'brutal' rape by ex-Miss Switzerland; Beatrice Keul alleges 'Don's best friend' Epstein facilitated assault in 1993</a><h2>What the report claims</h2>Talking to MS Now, a Democratic Judiciary Committee member said that the report draws on publicly available accounts as well as conversations with survivors.The report repeats several other longstanding allegations against Trump. It also compares Trump's statements about Epstein in recent years to documentary evidence, including emails, deposition transcripts, Trump's prior public statements, and Trump's drawings and signatures. Among the discrepancies highlighted are inconsistencies with what Trump has said about his awareness of Epstein's crimes.The report suggests DOJ officials, including the attorney general, are "doing everything they can to keep the American people in the dark" about Trump's alleged participation in Epstein's abuse of young women."Attorney General Blanche may have engaged in criminal obstruction of justice while acting on a mission to protect Trump," the report alleges.It lays out how Blanche's meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell "potentially constituted witness tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding.""Blanche's apparent instructions not to discuss a specific Epstein victim, and how that victim could implicate Donald Trump, could easily run afoul of 18 U.S.C. § 1512, which forbids hindering or delaying the communication of information relating to the potential commission of a federal offense to a law enforcement officer, as well as corruptly influencing the testimony of any person in an official proceeding — such as a congressional interview and investigation," Democrats write in the report.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-dead-for-years-paedophile-jeffrey-epstein-finds-mention-in-over-500-campaign-ads-texas-alone-spent-10-million-1792839624663">US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million</a><h2>The DOJ response</h2>A Justice Department spokesperson said the report was "nothing more than a last-ditch effort by House Judiciary Democrats to mislead the public."The spokesperson said the DOJ complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and made nearly 3 million documents related to Epstein available to the public. "The Department also freely offered members of Congress the opportunity to view the files unredacted. All these files were part of FBI investigations that spanned decades and these claims were investigated by agents at the time," the spokesperson said."While we cannot talk about the existence of any ongoing investigations, the Trump Administration is the only administration to prosecute Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and make any of these documents available to the public," the spokesperson added.

House Judiciary Democrats have released an unsigned staff report alleging Trump was "an active participant in Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of young women" and calling for an independent special counsel to investigate the president and Attorney General Todd Blanche. 

House Judiciary Committee Democrats on Monday (Oct 26) released an unsigned staff report laying out what they call "the case against Donald Trump emerging in the Epstein Files and DOJ's desperate efforts to cover it up," and are now calling for an independent special counsel to investigate the president, Attorney General Todd Blanche's alleged conflicts of interest, and the Justice Department's reluctance to share evidence with state and foreign law enforcement. "The women who survived Epstein deserve to be heard," the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said in a statement. "Congress must have the complete files required by law, and an independent special counsel must investigate Epstein's co-conspirators and DOJ's cover-up and ensure that state and foreign prosecutors have the evidence they need to pursue justice." The more than 50-page report alleges that Trump was "an active participant in Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of young women in the mid-to-late 1990s." It also contains at least one entirely new allegation against the president, though it provides no direct evidence other than the woman's own conversations with Judiciary Committee staff. Notably, for years, Trump has denied that he engaged in any sexual misconduct with any woman connected to Epstein and has said he knew nothing about Epstein's crimes. He even claimed to have kicked out "creep" Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago resort in 2203. Also read | Trump accused of 'brutal' rape by ex-Miss Switzerland; Beatrice Keul alleges 'Don's best friend' Epstein facilitated assault in 1993 What the report claims Talking to MS Now, a Democratic Judiciary Committee member said that the report draws on publicly available accounts as well as conversations with survivors. The report repeats several other longstanding allegations against Trump. It also compares Trump's statements about Epstein in recent years to documentary evidence, including emails, deposition transcripts, Trump's prior public statements, and Trump's drawings and signatures. Among the discrepancies highlighted are inconsistencies with what Trump has said about his awareness of Epstein's crimes. The report suggests DOJ officials, including the attorney general, are "doing everything they can to keep the American people in the dark" about Trump's alleged participation in Epstein's abuse of young women. "Attorney General Blanche may have engaged in criminal obstruction of justice while acting on a mission to protect Trump," the report alleges. It lays out how Blanche's meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell "potentially constituted witness tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding." "Blanche's apparent instructions not to discuss a specific Epstein victim, and how that victim could implicate Donald Trump, could easily run afoul of 18 U.S.C. § 1512, which forbids hindering or delaying the communication of information relating to the potential commission of a federal offense to a law enforcement officer, as well as corruptly influencing the testimony of any person in an official proceeding — such as a congressional interview and investigation," Democrats write in the report. Also read | US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million The DOJ response A Justice Department spokesperson said the report was "nothing more than a last-ditch effort by House Judiciary Democrats to mislead the public." The spokesperson said the DOJ complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and made nearly 3 million documents related to Epstein available to the public. "The Department also freely offered members of Congress the opportunity to view the files unredacted. All these files were part of FBI investigations that spanned decades and these claims were investigated by agents at the time," the spokesperson said. "While we cannot talk about the existence of any ongoing investigations, the Trump Administration is the only administration to prosecute Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and make any of these documents available to the public," the spokesperson added.

House Judiciary Democrats have released an unsigned staff report alleging Trump was "an active participant in Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of young women" and calling for an independent special counsel to investigate the president and Attorney General Todd Blanche.&nbsp;

Democrats allege 'desperate efforts to cover up' Trump's involvement in Jeffrey Epstein sex crimes, release 50-page report

With just two weeks left for the US midterms 2026, the campaigning has taken a sharp turn, with candidates across the country accusing rivals of going easy on child predators. As per an NBC News report, more than 500 House, Senate and gubernatorial ads this cycle have focused on disgraced financier, convicted sex trafficker, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and have used the phrases "child predator," "predator" or “paedophile,” according to AdImpact, which tracks campaign advertising. That is roughly two per cent of all tracked ads. As per the reports, candidates across the board have ramped up the attacks sharply this month in nearly every competitive state.Democrats and allied groups back nearly three in four of these spots. Many tie directly to the release, or the refusal to release, of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Democrats have hit Republicans for voting against making more information public or for accepting donations from people whose names appeared in unredacted documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.Note: A name in those files did not mean the person had committed a crime.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-us-midterm-bribe-5-000-dividend-1-2-trillion-promise-fiscal-hawks-and-the-voters-who-want-the-cheque-but-don-t-expect-it-1792228505050">US Midterms: Trump doubles down on $5,000 dividend as economists call it a 'half-baked political scheme'. Can a Republican win guarantee it?</a><h2>Texas leads the spending</h2>No state has put more money behind these ads than Texas, where upward of $38 million has been spent in the fiercely contested Senate race and more than $8 million in two House races.Democrat James Talarico, a state lawmaker, has hammered Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton over a plea deal his office offered a Waco man charged with sexually abusing a boy. In one campaign spot, Talarico walks through a warehouse as the words "NEVER GIVEN AN EPSTEIN-STYLE DEAL" flash behind him. "I've never given a sweetheart deal to a pedophile," he says in the ad.The case centres on former Waco attorney Adam Hoffman, who faced life without parole on felony charges of continuous sexual abuse of a young child. His trial ended in a mistrial in June 2025, and Paxton's office offered a plea deal and one day in jail. Prosecutors wrote to a state lawmaker that the deal was "a difficult decision" because the boy did not wish to testify again. Hoffman ultimately served 29 days."There is an infinite number of ways you can say and explain with evidence that this guy is a corrupt loser," a Democratic strategist close to the campaign said of Paxton. "But this one is so clear, and it gets people's attention, and it's just right in your face on tape, and it just happened."<h2>Why now</h2>The wave comes at a cultural moment of heightened attention on alleged paedophiles. The recent months saw huge discourse on the so-called Epstein files, with widespread anger over the botched release of the documents surrounding the case by Trump's administration. The heavily redacted files left much to be desired and were slammed for outing information, including compromising pictures of the victims.Additionally, online "pedophile hunter" shows have grown in popularity, building on the QAnon conspiracy theory that claimed Donald Trump was fighting a cabal of pedophile elites.An upcoming movie, "Primetime," starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, host of the defunct NBC show "To Catch a Predator," also contributed to the attention. It follows the 2025 documentary "Predators," which examined the legacy of that programme.One national GOP strategist told NBC that the tactic is less about ideology and more about dragging down an opponent's favourability to keep voters away from the polls. But the strategist also pointed to a wider societal focus, suggesting the ads may be "meeting an American cultural moment", adding, "In a way that's kind of grim."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-mamdani-factor-how-nyc-s-mayor-could-influence-the-november-2026-midterm-elections-1791622472019">US midterm elections: Why Zohran Mamdani's influence could become a headache for Democrats and Republicans</a><h2>Kansas, Ohio and Iowa</h2>Texas is one of at least six states where more than $10 million has been spent on such ads. Kansas, Ohio and Iowa have seen the most Epstein and paedophilia-related spots in their Senate races.In Kansas, both candidates accuse the other of being soft on child predators. Republicans are targeting Democrat Adam Hamilton, a pastor, over a child sex abuse scandal at his church camps, citing two instances of a volunteer attempting to assault campers. Hamilton denies any cover-up but says he would respond differently now. The Kansas City Star, which reviewed court records, reported that church officials found an internal investigation inconclusive, did not report the first allegation to police, and allowed the volunteer, Scott Preston Moore, to return to camp the next year. The church later reported Moore to police after a second allegation and barred him from working with children.Hamilton has fought back on air, accusing his opponent, Sen. Roger Marshall, of "lying" and saying his church "reported incidents involving a volunteer to law enforcement and then cut ties with him." His ad also notes that Hamilton "later helped get this predator convicted," pointing to Moore's 2013 conviction.Hamilton is also hitting Marshall for voting against the release of the Epstein files. Last September, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer offered an amendment to a defence bill ordering the files' release, and nearly every Republican voted to table it. Marshall called the vote a "political stunt."The Senate later passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act by unanimous consent.Marshall adviser Alex Degrasse said the senator "has always supported the release," including the unanimous consent vote last November that Trump signed. That second vote came after Trump permitted Republicans to support release after months of resistance. Trump had a years-long friendship with Epstein but denies wrongdoing.<h2>The Ramaswamy-Acton ad controversy</h2>Also adding fuel to the fire is an ad by Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican nominee for governor, in Ohio. The controversial ad features the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, casting her daughter as a liar.The ad centres on paedophilia and dates back nearly 50 years, when Acton, then 12, accused her stepfather of sexual assault. Court records show the man was indicted on a rape charge. Acton said in 2019 she last saw her mother at a hearing during the 1978 case. Her brother, Phillip Stearns, released a statement pointing to the "sexual abuse Amy endured at 12 years old from our birth mother's husband," saying the siblings were removed from custody after the arrest.Several Republicans, including in Ohio, have criticised the ad or called for it to be pulled. Trump on Thursday encouraged Ramaswamy to lean into it, while Vice President JD Vance said Republicans needed to "stop whining" about it.In North Carolina, Cooper's campaign has gone after his opponent, former RNC chairman Michael Whatley, for appointing Harvey West, a convicted sex offender and long-time party fundraiser, to a state party committee. West claims he did not commit the crimes and pleaded guilty to avoid a stiffer sentence, The Associated Press reported. A Whatley spokesperson, DJ Griffin, instead said Cooper "failed at his most basic job to protect our kids and keep North Carolinians safe."The ads come as voters have recoiled at the Epstein files and rank corruption as a top issue. A June Quinnipiac survey found 38 per cent of voters said the Epstein investigation was important to their vote.

Jeffrey Epstein has been dead for years, but his name is back at the centre of America's political battle. With candidates increasingly accusing rivals of protecting child predators, the controversy over his files is shaping a fierce new wave of US midterm attack ads.

With just two weeks left for the US midterms 2026, the campaigning has taken a sharp turn, with candidates across the country accusing rivals of going easy on child predators. As per an NBC News report, more than 500 House, Senate and gubernatorial ads this cycle have focused on disgraced financier, convicted sex trafficker, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and have used the phrases "child predator," "predator" or “paedophile,” according to AdImpact, which tracks campaign advertising. That is roughly two per cent of all tracked ads. As per the reports, candidates across the board have ramped up the attacks sharply this month in nearly every competitive state. Democrats and allied groups back nearly three in four of these spots. Many tie directly to the release, or the refusal to release, of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Democrats have hit Republicans for voting against making more information public or for accepting donations from people whose names appeared in unredacted documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Note: A name in those files did not mean the person had committed a crime. Also read | US Midterms: Trump doubles down on $5,000 dividend as economists call it a 'half-baked political scheme'. Can a Republican win guarantee it? Texas leads the spending No state has put more money behind these ads than Texas, where upward of $38 million has been spent in the fiercely contested Senate race and more than $8 million in two House races. Democrat James Talarico, a state lawmaker, has hammered Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton over a plea deal his office offered a Waco man charged with sexually abusing a boy. In one campaign spot, Talarico walks through a warehouse as the words "NEVER GIVEN AN EPSTEIN-STYLE DEAL" flash behind him. "I've never given a sweetheart deal to a pedophile," he says in the ad. The case centres on former Waco attorney Adam Hoffman, who faced life without parole on felony charges of continuous sexual abuse of a young child. His trial ended in a mistrial in June 2025, and Paxton's office offered a plea deal and one day in jail. Prosecutors wrote to a state lawmaker that the deal was "a difficult decision" because the boy did not wish to testify again. Hoffman ultimately served 29 days. "There is an infinite number of ways you can say and explain with evidence that this guy is a corrupt loser," a Democratic strategist close to the campaign said of Paxton. "But this one is so clear, and it gets people's attention, and it's just right in your face on tape, and it just happened." Why now The wave comes at a cultural moment of heightened attention on alleged paedophiles. The recent months saw huge discourse on the so-called Epstein files, with widespread anger over the botched release of the documents surrounding the case by Trump's administration. The heavily redacted files left much to be desired and were slammed for outing information, including compromising pictures of the victims. Additionally, online "pedophile hunter" shows have grown in popularity, building on the QAnon conspiracy theory that claimed Donald Trump was fighting a cabal of pedophile elites. An upcoming movie, "Primetime," starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, host of the defunct NBC show "To Catch a Predator," also contributed to the attention. It follows the 2025 documentary "Predators," which examined the legacy of that programme. One national GOP strategist told NBC that the tactic is less about ideology and more about dragging down an opponent's favourability to keep voters away from the polls. But the strategist also pointed to a wider societal focus, suggesting the ads may be "meeting an American cultural moment", adding, "In a way that's kind of grim." Also read | US midterm elections: Why Zohran Mamdani's influence could become a headache for Democrats and Republicans Kansas, Ohio and Iowa Texas is one of at least six states where more than $10 million has been spent on such ads. Kansas, Ohio and Iowa have seen the most Epstein and paedophilia-related spots in their Senate races. In Kansas, both candidates accuse the other of being soft on child predators. Republicans are targeting Democrat Adam Hamilton, a pastor, over a child sex abuse scandal at his church camps, citing two instances of a volunteer attempting to assault campers. Hamilton denies any cover-up but says he would respond differently now. The Kansas City Star, which reviewed court records, reported that church officials found an internal investigation inconclusive, did not report the first allegation to police, and allowed the volunteer, Scott Preston Moore, to return to camp the next year. The church later reported Moore to police after a second allegation and barred him from working with children. Hamilton has fought back on air, accusing his opponent, Sen. Roger Marshall, of "lying" and saying his church "reported incidents involving a volunteer to law enforcement and then cut ties with him." His ad also notes that Hamilton "later helped get this predator convicted," pointing to Moore's 2013 conviction. Hamilton is also hitting Marshall for voting against the release of the Epstein files. Last September, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer offered an amendment to a defence bill ordering the files' release, and nearly every Republican voted to table it. Marshall called the vote a "political stunt." The Senate later passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act by unanimous consent. Marshall adviser Alex Degrasse said the senator "has always supported the release," including the unanimous consent vote last November that Trump signed. That second vote came after Trump permitted Republicans to support release after months of resistance. Trump had a years-long friendship with Epstein but denies wrongdoing. The Ramaswamy-Acton ad controversy Also adding fuel to the fire is an ad by Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican nominee for governor, in Ohio. The controversial ad features the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, casting her daughter as a liar. The ad centres on paedophilia and dates back nearly 50 years, when Acton, then 12, accused her stepfather of sexual assault. Court records show the man was indicted on a rape charge. Acton said in 2019 she last saw her mother at a hearing during the 1978 case. Her brother, Phillip Stearns, released a statement pointing to the "sexual abuse Amy endured at 12 years old from our birth mother's husband," saying the siblings were removed from custody after the arrest. Several Republicans, including in Ohio, have criticised the ad or called for it to be pulled. Trump on Thursday encouraged Ramaswamy to lean into it, while Vice President JD Vance said Republicans needed to "stop whining" about it. In North Carolina, Cooper's campaign has gone after his opponent, former RNC chairman Michael Whatley, for appointing Harvey West, a convicted sex offender and long-time party fundraiser, to a state party committee. West claims he did not commit the crimes and pleaded guilty to avoid a stiffer sentence, The Associated Press reported. A Whatley spokesperson, DJ Griffin, instead said Cooper "failed at his most basic job to protect our kids and keep North Carolinians safe." The ads come as voters have recoiled at the Epstein files and rank corruption as a top issue. A June Quinnipiac survey found 38 per cent of voters said the Epstein investigation was important to their vote.

Jeffrey Epstein has been dead for years, but his name is back at the centre of America's political battle. With candidates increasingly accusing rivals of protecting child predators, the controversy over his files is shaping a fierce new wave of US midterm attack ads.

US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million

A federal judge has warned US Attorney General Todd Blanche that he could face civil contempt proceedings if the Justice Department fails to comply with court orders concerning the release and review of Jeffrey Epstein-related files.US District Judge Emmet Sullivan, in a 20-page order on Wednesday (Sep 16) said that a contempt finding would be “premature” at this stage, but warned that it could become appropriate if Blanche does not comply with the court’s renewed directives. The case could result in the Justice Department being required to release additional Epstein records or justify and remove redactions that the court finds unlawful.“Courts have the inherent power to enforce compliance with their lawful orders through civil contempt,” Sullivan wrote.The warning comes in a lawsuit filed by independent journalist Katie Phang, who alleges that the DOJ has not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress passed last year.Judge rejects parts of DOJ's justificationSullivan said the Justice Department had provided sufficient documentation to establish that some redactions were made to protect survivors' privacy. However, he found the department's explanation inadequate for other redactions and ordered additional material to be submitted for private “in camera” review, allowing the judge to examine sensitive records outside public view.The judge also rejected the DOJ's argument for withholding handwritten FBI interview notes on the grounds that they were “substantially similar to” typewritten reports already released.Sullivan said the department's review protocol does not establish that documents can be withheld simply because they are substantially similar to other records. The issue had previously been raised during proceedings in the case, with the judge seeking access to the underlying notes so the court could independently assess the DOJ's claims.Sullivan also rejected the department's explanation for not reviewing Epstein-related material written in foreign languages, which DOJ had argued was impractical for a first-level reviewer to assess.At the same time, the judge acknowledged that some redactions covering the names and email addresses of government attorneys and law enforcement personnel were required under the department's own review rules.DOJ pushes backThe Justice Department has maintained that its redactions comply with the law and has argued that protecting victims' identities is a key consideration.A DOJ spokesperson told Axios: “Our filings will speak for themselves.” The department also said it had provided the judge with evidence concerning redacted victim names and argued that the lawsuit sought to unmask victims' identities.The dispute is part of a broader legal and political fight over the release of Epstein records. Sullivan had already ordered the DOJ in June to produce additional records or explain why they could not be released.The House is separately nearing a vote on legislation that would expand the release of remaining Epstein files. A discharge petition led by outgoing Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is close to obtaining the signatures needed to force action.

A federal judge has warned US Attorney General Todd Blanche that civil contempt could become an option if the Justice Department fails to follow court orders in the Epstein files case. All you need to know.

A federal judge has warned US Attorney General Todd Blanche that he could face civil contempt proceedings if the Justice Department fails to comply with court orders concerning the release and review of Jeffrey Epstein-related files. US District Judge Emmet Sullivan, in a 20-page order on Wednesday (Sep 16) said that a contempt finding would be “premature” at this stage, but warned that it could become appropriate if Blanche does not comply with the court’s renewed directives. The case could result in the Justice Department being required to release additional Epstein records or justify and remove redactions that the court finds unlawful. “Courts have the inherent power to enforce compliance with their lawful orders through civil contempt,” Sullivan wrote. The warning comes in a lawsuit filed by independent journalist Katie Phang, who alleges that the DOJ has not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress passed last year. Judge rejects parts of DOJ's justification Sullivan said the Justice Department had provided sufficient documentation to establish that some redactions were made to protect survivors' privacy. However, he found the department's explanation inadequate for other redactions and ordered additional material to be submitted for private “in camera” review, allowing the judge to examine sensitive records outside public view. The judge also rejected the DOJ's argument for withholding handwritten FBI interview notes on the grounds that they were “substantially similar to” typewritten reports already released. Sullivan said the department's review protocol does not establish that documents can be withheld simply because they are substantially similar to other records. The issue had previously been raised during proceedings in the case, with the judge seeking access to the underlying notes so the court could independently assess the DOJ's claims. Sullivan also rejected the department's explanation for not reviewing Epstein-related material written in foreign languages, which DOJ had argued was impractical for a first-level reviewer to assess. At the same time, the judge acknowledged that some redactions covering the names and email addresses of government attorneys and law enforcement personnel were required under the department's own review rules. DOJ pushes back The Justice Department has maintained that its redactions comply with the law and has argued that protecting victims' identities is a key consideration. A DOJ spokesperson told Axios: “Our filings will speak for themselves.” The department also said it had provided the judge with evidence concerning redacted victim names and argued that the lawsuit sought to unmask victims' identities. The dispute is part of a broader legal and political fight over the release of Epstein records. Sullivan had already ordered the DOJ in June to produce additional records or explain why they could not be released. The House is separately nearing a vote on legislation that would expand the release of remaining Epstein files. A discharge petition led by outgoing Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is close to obtaining the signatures needed to force action.

A federal judge has warned US Attorney General Todd Blanche that civil contempt could become an option if the Justice Department fails to follow court orders in the Epstein files case. All you need to know.

Epstein files: Judge warns Trump Attorney General Todd Blanche of contempt over DOJ delays

A modeling scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead in France. Daniel Siaad, 69, was discovered at his home while French authorities were investigating allegations of rape, human trafficking, and sexual violence. His name reportedly appeared thousands of times in U.S. Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of death, with a postmortem examination underway. His death is expected to renew global attention on the Epstein network and ongoing investigations.

Epstein-Linked modeling Scout Daniel Siaad found dead in France | Epstein Scandal takes new twist

A French professional model scout who spent more than ten years connecting the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein with various models was found dead in his residence near Paris on Monday (July 20). Marie-Céline Lawrysz, deputy public prosecutor at the Nanterre Judicial Court, confirmed on Wednesday (July 22) that Daniel Siad's body was discovered at his home in Colombes, a suburb of the French capital. An autopsy is set to be conducted to establish the cause of death. Just days before his death, Siad had told CNN that he saw no indication that two women he had referred to Epstein were abused by him or had come to any harm through their association with him.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/he-predicted-covid-19-2008-economic-crisis-issues-ai-warning-1784726940738">He predicted COVID-19 and 2008 economic crisis, was labeled fearmonger. Now he has another dire warning</a><h3>Invitation for different events</h3>Even after Epstein was convicted of sex crimes in 2008, modelling-industry insiders like Siad continued doing business with him, inviting him to fashion events, and allowing him to connect with their companies. Siad claimed that Epstein had promised him his payments for his crimes, that “this would never happen with anybody” that he referred to him. “I trusted him and believed this guy was a professional person,” he told CNN. “I never heard anything from anyone I introduced to him who came back to me that they had a bad situation. I believed this guy was a professional person.” Siad also claimed that he thought of Epstein as a casting director for Victoria’s Secret and the modelling agency MC2. Meanwhile, files released by the Department of Justice revealed that late sex offender Epstein paid tens of thousands of dollars to Siad. In one message, Siad wrote: “Cute French girl in Marrakesh… She said that she will (be) happy to meet you.” Separately, Siad added that Epstein asked for his help in finding an assistant. In a 2018 email, Siad found writing that he was looking for a “good-looking young assistant” for Epstein. Similarly, in another message, he sent a photo to Epstein of a woman, explaining her as “very polite” with “potential” as a “model” or “assistant.”

Marie-Céline Lawrysz, deputy public prosecutor at the Nanterre Judicial Court, confirmed on Wednesday (July 22) that Daniel Siad's body was discovered at his home in Colombes, a suburb of the French capital.

A French professional model scout who spent more than ten years connecting the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein with various models was found dead in his residence near Paris on Monday (July 20). Marie-Céline Lawrysz, deputy public prosecutor at the Nanterre Judicial Court, confirmed on Wednesday (July 22) that Daniel Siad's body was discovered at his home in Colombes, a suburb of the French capital. An autopsy is set to be conducted to establish the cause of death. Just days before his death, Siad had told CNN that he saw no indication that two women he had referred to Epstein were abused by him or had come to any harm through their association with him. Also read: He predicted COVID-19 and 2008 economic crisis, was labeled fearmonger. Now he has another dire warning Invitation for different events Even after Epstein was convicted of sex crimes in 2008, modelling-industry insiders like Siad continued doing business with him, inviting him to fashion events, and allowing him to connect with their companies. Siad claimed that Epstein had promised him his payments for his crimes, that “this would never happen with anybody” that he referred to him. “I trusted him and believed this guy was a professional person,” he told CNN. “I never heard anything from anyone I introduced to him who came back to me that they had a bad situation. I believed this guy was a professional person.” Siad also claimed that he thought of Epstein as a casting director for Victoria’s Secret and the modelling agency MC2. Meanwhile, files released by the Department of Justice revealed that late sex offender Epstein paid tens of thousands of dollars to Siad. In one message, Siad wrote: “Cute French girl in Marrakesh… She said that she will (be) happy to meet you.” Separately, Siad added that Epstein asked for his help in finding an assistant. In a 2018 email, Siad found writing that he was looking for a “good-looking young assistant” for Epstein. Similarly, in another message, he sent a photo to Epstein of a woman, explaining her as “very polite” with “potential” as a “model” or “assistant.”

Marie-Céline Lawrysz, deputy public prosecutor at the Nanterre Judicial Court, confirmed on Wednesday (July 22) that Daniel Siad's body was discovered at his home in Colombes, a suburb of the French capital.

French model recruiter linked to Jeffrey Epstein found dead in Paris

US Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that the Trump administration mishandled its communication over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, saying officials "absolutely screwed up the comms" while insisting there was no effort to cover up evidence. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Vance said the administration should have released all the available documents from the outset instead of allowing confusion and speculation to grow."We absolutely screwed up the comms of the Epstein files. Like, we just did," Vance said. "But do I think the reason we screwed up the comms is because we were trying to hide something? No."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-epstein-files-accuse-trump-of-raping-13-year-old-murdering-a-new-born-white-house-says-this-about-allegations-1769823565436">Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations</a><h2>Vance defends Bondi despite criticism</h2>Vance also addressed criticism directed at former Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose earlier comments about the investigation drew intense scrutiny. Bondi had previously suggested that Epstein's alleged "client list" was "sitting on my desk right now," a remark that fuelled expectations of explosive disclosures.Reflecting on the episode, Vance said Bondi had simply over promised. "I know Pam. I like Pam. I don't think there was anything malicious going on," he said. "I think Pam was trying to respond to the political moment. I think she overstated what we had and what we didn't have."Bondi also came under fire after distributing binders labelled The Epstein Files: Phase 1 and Declassified to conservative commentators and influencers. Much of the material later turned out to be documents that had already been publicly released, adding to criticism that the rollout had been poorly handled.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-photo-vanishes-from-epstein-files-then-reappears-doj-claims-it-was-deleted-out-of-an-abundance-of-caution-sparks-cover-up-claims-1766368755262">Trump photo vanishes from Epstein files, then reappears. DOJ claims it was deleted 'out of an abundance of caution'</a><h2>Epstein file delays fuelled public mistrust</h2>The administration's handling of the Epstein files became one of the most politically damaging controversies of Trump's second term, drawing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.&nbsp;After months of pressure, Congress passed legislation requiring the Justice Department to release a broader collection of records linked to federal investigations into Epstein. The department began publishing the files in December, releasing heavily redacted material that included photographs, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts. However, the extensive redactions and missed deadlines for releasing additional records sparked fresh accusations that the government was not being fully transparent.

US Vice President JD Vance has admitted the Trump administration "absolutely screwed up the comms" surrounding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, while insisting there was no attempt to hide evidence. He also defended Pam Bondi, saying she simply "overpromised" what the admin had.

US Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that the Trump administration mishandled its communication over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, saying officials "absolutely screwed up the comms" while insisting there was no effort to cover up evidence. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Vance said the administration should have released all the available documents from the outset instead of allowing confusion and speculation to grow. "We absolutely screwed up the comms of the Epstein files. Like, we just did," Vance said. "But do I think the reason we screwed up the comms is because we were trying to hide something? No." Also read | Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations Vance defends Bondi despite criticism Vance also addressed criticism directed at former Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose earlier comments about the investigation drew intense scrutiny. Bondi had previously suggested that Epstein's alleged "client list" was "sitting on my desk right now," a remark that fuelled expectations of explosive disclosures. Reflecting on the episode, Vance said Bondi had simply over promised. "I know Pam. I like Pam. I don't think there was anything malicious going on," he said. "I think Pam was trying to respond to the political moment. I think she overstated what we had and what we didn't have." Bondi also came under fire after distributing binders labelled The Epstein Files: Phase 1 and Declassified to conservative commentators and influencers. Much of the material later turned out to be documents that had already been publicly released, adding to criticism that the rollout had been poorly handled. Also read | Trump photo vanishes from Epstein files, then reappears. DOJ claims it was deleted 'out of an abundance of caution' Epstein file delays fuelled public mistrust The administration's handling of the Epstein files became one of the most politically damaging controversies of Trump's second term, drawing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. After months of pressure, Congress passed legislation requiring the Justice Department to release a broader collection of records linked to federal investigations into Epstein. The department began publishing the files in December, releasing heavily redacted material that included photographs, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts. However, the extensive redactions and missed deadlines for releasing additional records sparked fresh accusations that the government was not being fully transparent.

US Vice President JD Vance has admitted the Trump administration "absolutely screwed up the comms" surrounding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, while insisting there was no attempt to hide evidence. He also defended Pam Bondi, saying she simply "overpromised" what the admin had.

'We screwed up...': JD Vance admits Trump administration botched Epstein files release

More than five years after Jeffrey Epstein's death, a newly surfaced video is giving the public one of its clearest looks yet inside Little Saint James, the private Caribbean island that became synonymous with the disgraced financier's sex trafficking empire.&nbsp; The footage, which runs for more than 16 minutes, was filmed by Romanian artist Ion Nicola, who worked with Epstein between 2010 and 2019. The video, which was shared with Storyful by Nicola, captures large sections of the island that have rarely, if ever, been seen publicly.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-epstein-files-accuse-trump-of-raping-13-year-old-murdering-a-new-born-white-house-says-this-about-allegations-1769823565436">Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping a 13-year-old, murdering a newborn</a><h2>What does the never-before-seen footage from Epstein island show?</h2>What makes the footage striking isn't just the luxury. It's the eerie normalcy. Manicured lawns stretch towards the sea. Winding roads cut through tropical vegetation. Sculptures dot the landscape. A pier extends into turquoise water while a floating trampoline bobs offshore. At first glance, it resembles an exclusive private resort.Then the camera reaches the island's most infamous building.<h2>Inside the mysterious 'temple'</h2>The striped blue-and-white structure, often referred to online as Epstein's "temple" or "mosque," is shown in unusual detail.Inside, the video shows an office overlooking the ocean, an Apple computer on the desk, bookshelves framed by ornate pillars, sculptures collected from different cultures and a striking mural covering much of the ceiling. A camera mounted on a tripod is also visible behind the desk. Watch a clip of the video shared by Storyful on X here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Never-before-seen footage of the private island of convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein gives a detailed tour of the hideaway to which a number of survivors allege they were trafficked and exploited. Ion Nicola, a Romanian artist who told Storyful he worked for Epstein… <a href="https://t.co/XUnwYkE2SU">pic.twitter.com/XUnwYkE2SU</a>&mdash; Storyful (@Storyful) <a href="https://x.com/Storyful/status/2074917340412838183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to previous New York Times reporting, Epstein personally instructed Nicola on aspects of the building's design. In one email, he even suggested “instead of allah, i thought j’s and e ‘s” (sic).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-33-000-pages-released-yet-they-re-heavily-redacted-full-transparency-or-just-a-pacifier-for-maga-1756890944032">Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA?</a><h2>Why the footage is drawing attention now</h2>The release comes months after US lawmakers published additional photographs from the island as part of renewed scrutiny surrounding the Epstein files.Although investigators have previously documented the estate, the new footage offers a different perspective, revealing the layout of the island, including its oversized sundial, pool, landscaped gardens and secluded pathways.Little Saint James, located in the US Virgin Islands, has long remained one of the most recognisable symbols of the Epstein case.Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving underage girls. His death fuelled years of public speculation, while demands for greater transparency surrounding the investigation have continued.The newly surfaced footage does not introduce new criminal evidence. Instead, it provides one of the most complete visual records yet of the secluded island where some of the most disturbing allegations connected to Epstein unfolded.

A newly surfaced 16-minute video offers one of the clearest looks yet inside Jeffrey Epstein's notorious private island, including the mysterious 'temple' that has fuelled years of speculation. Scroll down to watch the rare footage.

More than five years after Jeffrey Epstein's death, a newly surfaced video is giving the public one of its clearest looks yet inside Little Saint James, the private Caribbean island that became synonymous with the disgraced financier's sex trafficking empire. The footage, which runs for more than 16 minutes, was filmed by Romanian artist Ion Nicola, who worked with Epstein between 2010 and 2019. The video, which was shared with Storyful by Nicola, captures large sections of the island that have rarely, if ever, been seen publicly. Also read | Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping a 13-year-old, murdering a newborn What does the never-before-seen footage from Epstein island show? What makes the footage striking isn't just the luxury. It's the eerie normalcy. Manicured lawns stretch towards the sea. Winding roads cut through tropical vegetation. Sculptures dot the landscape. A pier extends into turquoise water while a floating trampoline bobs offshore. At first glance, it resembles an exclusive private resort. Then the camera reaches the island's most infamous building. Inside the mysterious 'temple' The striped blue-and-white structure, often referred to online as Epstein's "temple" or "mosque," is shown in unusual detail. Inside, the video shows an office overlooking the ocean, an Apple computer on the desk, bookshelves framed by ornate pillars, sculptures collected from different cultures and a striking mural covering much of the ceiling. A camera mounted on a tripod is also visible behind the desk. Watch a clip of the video shared by Storyful on X here:

A newly surfaced 16-minute video offers one of the clearest looks yet inside Jeffrey Epstein's notorious private island, including the mysterious 'temple' that has fuelled years of speculation. Scroll down to watch the rare footage.

Never-before-seen footage exposes eerie interiors of Jeffrey Epstein's private island Little St. James | Watch

Jeffrey Epstein, just before his death, tried to leverage dirt on US President Donald Trump to salvage his freedom from the Manhattan Metropolitan Centre, according to a New York Times report. Trump was then in his first term in the President's office. The New York Times obtained previously unreleased handwritten notes, which had broken sentences and phrases, including ideas for a federal prosecutor to investigate Trump, written by Epstein in his cell during the 35-day stint inside the New York prison in 2019.“Trump is a total con artist,” he wrote, adding the phrases “smoke &amp; mirrors” and “never had money.” He suggested that former Trump organisation CFO Allen Weisselberg "knows all" and suggested the President's “college transcripts” should be publicly released. “Not a stable genius,” he wrote. The circumstances of Epstein's death and his connection to a wider network of paedophiles have consumed Congress and the Trump administration. The newly published message obtained as part of a sprawling investigation into Epstein's final days does not raise any new allegations against the President.&nbsp;However, the new reports underscore the sex traffickers' awareness of the political sensitivity surrounding their connections. Trump's name appears thousands of times in the millions of tranche released by the DOJ under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Epstein's attempt to provide potentially useful information in exchange for the possibility of clemency did not appear to have worked. The report suggests that he wasn't able to offer up anything that wasn't already known.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peter-thiel-dialog-retreat-dublin-leak-build-a-cult-wwiii-agenda-1781680244369">From 'Build-a-Cult' to WWIII: Leak exposes Peter Thiel's elite Dublin retreat</a>Trump and Weisselberg were investigated for forgery. In 2022, the longtime Trump Organisation CFO pleaded guilty to running a 15-year scheme that evaded taxes on off-the-books compensation. He spent around 100 days inside Rikers Island in 2023. In 2024, he also pleaded guilty to two counts of felony perjury for lying under oath. Trump was also found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a landmark New York criminal trial. But none of it relates to Epstein and his sex-trafficking network.&nbsp;Though several unverified allegations mention Trump in the files related by Epstein, they do not put forward any verified allegations of criminal wrongdoing. In his notes, Epstein feared being known as the “billionaire paedophile in jail”; prison guards told his cellmate that “if he beat the s*** out of me, they wouldn’t file a report,” he wrote. He also wrote that he was “told to get Depends instead of being able to use the toilet.” It also shows desperation and contempt for his famous friends who publicly distanced themself from him and his crimes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Previously unreleased handwritten notes obtained by the New York Times show Jeffrey Epstein criticising Donald Trump and reportedly attempting to provide information about the president while seeking freedom before his death in 2019.

Jeffrey Epstein, just before his death, tried to leverage dirt on US President Donald Trump to salvage his freedom from the Manhattan Metropolitan Centre, according to a New York Times report. Trump was then in his first term in the President's office. The New York Times obtained previously unreleased handwritten notes, which had broken sentences and phrases, including ideas for a federal prosecutor to investigate Trump, written by Epstein in his cell during the 35-day stint inside the New York prison in 2019. “Trump is a total con artist,” he wrote, adding the phrases “smoke & mirrors” and “never had money.” He suggested that former Trump organisation CFO Allen Weisselberg "knows all" and suggested the President's “college transcripts” should be publicly released. “Not a stable genius,” he wrote. The circumstances of Epstein's death and his connection to a wider network of paedophiles have consumed Congress and the Trump administration. The newly published message obtained as part of a sprawling investigation into Epstein's final days does not raise any new allegations against the President. However, the new reports underscore the sex traffickers' awareness of the political sensitivity surrounding their connections. Trump's name appears thousands of times in the millions of tranche released by the DOJ under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Epstein's attempt to provide potentially useful information in exchange for the possibility of clemency did not appear to have worked. The report suggests that he wasn't able to offer up anything that wasn't already known. Also Read: From 'Build-a-Cult' to WWIII: Leak exposes Peter Thiel's elite Dublin retreat Trump and Weisselberg were investigated for forgery. In 2022, the longtime Trump Organisation CFO pleaded guilty to running a 15-year scheme that evaded taxes on off-the-books compensation. He spent around 100 days inside Rikers Island in 2023. In 2024, he also pleaded guilty to two counts of felony perjury for lying under oath. Trump was also found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a landmark New York criminal trial. But none of it relates to Epstein and his sex-trafficking network. Though several unverified allegations mention Trump in the files related by Epstein, they do not put forward any verified allegations of criminal wrongdoing. In his notes, Epstein feared being known as the “billionaire paedophile in jail”; prison guards told his cellmate that “if he beat the s*** out of me, they wouldn’t file a report,” he wrote. He also wrote that he was “told to get Depends instead of being able to use the toilet.” It also shows desperation and contempt for his famous friends who publicly distanced themself from him and his crimes.

Previously unreleased handwritten notes obtained by the New York Times show Jeffrey Epstein criticising Donald Trump and reportedly attempting to provide information about the president while seeking freedom before his death in 2019.

Jeffrey Epstein's handwritten notes reveal bid to leverage Trump links before death

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has addressed allegations linked to newly scrutinised Epstein-related documents, insisting that he has "never victimised anyone." His testimony has reignited public interest in the wider Jeffrey Epstein case, raising fresh questions about powerful figures whose names have appeared in court filings and investigative records.

Bill Gates Testimony In Epstein Files Scandal: 'I Never Victimised Anyone'

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates will appear before the US congressional panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein and his associates on Wednesday in local time. For the first time, Gates is appearing before the House Oversight Committee to answer questions about his relationship with the disgraced sex trafficker and financier, Jeffrey Epstein. The billionaire is appearing voluntarily and seems to welcome the opportunity to divulge details under oath. He previously, in February, apologised to staff at the Gates Foundation for his ties to Epstein, which he said lasted from 2011 through 2014. "I was foolish to spend time with him. I was one of many people who regretted ever knowing him," said Gates.<h2>Gates and his affair with a Russian woman</h2>A 2013 email from Epstein to himself containing unverified allegations that Gates had extramarital "sex with Russian girls", and contacted sexually transmitted disease. He attempted to secretly medicate his then-wife, doubting he might have transmitted it to her, according to unverified draft emails. Gates Foundation spokesperson categorically denied those claims, saying that those were“absolutely absurd and completely false”. The Wall Street Journal in February reported that he “did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist” who he met through business activities.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmer-condemns-belfast-violence-anti-immigration-protests-1781089866777">Keir Starmer condemns Belfast violence as 'shocking and completely unacceptable'</a><h2>Gates denied knowledge of any of Epstein's illegal activities</h2>Gates has previously denied having information about any of the illegal activities. In an interview, he suggested that he exercised poor judgment in meeting Epstein. Gates had been pictured on several occasions with Epstein, according to the DOJ release, even in his private jet. Further, the scale of Epstein's crime and network makes it almost impossible to get those activities unnoticed. Gates claimed that he had ties with Epstein from 2011; by that time, Epstein was already a convicted sex offender. Gates also claimed that his contact lasted till 2014, but the DOJ released documents show that Epstein was communicating with an apparent adviser to Gates, seeking to pitch the billionaire on a donor-advised fund, a tax-deductible charitable vehicle that Epstein wanted to operate.&nbsp;His advisor told Epstein that Gates “loves him,” but his wife won't allow him.Bill Gates becomes the latest to be called upon by the House Oversight Committee after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, billionaire Les Wexner and Leon Black.&nbsp;

Bill Gates is set to appear before a US congressional panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, answering questions about his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates will appear before the US congressional panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein and his associates on Wednesday in local time. For the first time, Gates is appearing before the House Oversight Committee to answer questions about his relationship with the disgraced sex trafficker and financier, Jeffrey Epstein. The billionaire is appearing voluntarily and seems to welcome the opportunity to divulge details under oath. He previously, in February, apologised to staff at the Gates Foundation for his ties to Epstein, which he said lasted from 2011 through 2014. "I was foolish to spend time with him. I was one of many people who regretted ever knowing him," said Gates. Gates and his affair with a Russian woman A 2013 email from Epstein to himself containing unverified allegations that Gates had extramarital "sex with Russian girls", and contacted sexually transmitted disease. He attempted to secretly medicate his then-wife, doubting he might have transmitted it to her, according to unverified draft emails. Gates Foundation spokesperson categorically denied those claims, saying that those were“absolutely absurd and completely false”. The Wall Street Journal in February reported that he “did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist” who he met through business activities. Also Read: Keir Starmer condemns Belfast violence as 'shocking and completely unacceptable' Gates denied knowledge of any of Epstein's illegal activities Gates has previously denied having information about any of the illegal activities. In an interview, he suggested that he exercised poor judgment in meeting Epstein. Gates had been pictured on several occasions with Epstein, according to the DOJ release, even in his private jet. Further, the scale of Epstein's crime and network makes it almost impossible to get those activities unnoticed. Gates claimed that he had ties with Epstein from 2011; by that time, Epstein was already a convicted sex offender. Gates also claimed that his contact lasted till 2014, but the DOJ released documents show that Epstein was communicating with an apparent adviser to Gates, seeking to pitch the billionaire on a donor-advised fund, a tax-deductible charitable vehicle that Epstein wanted to operate. His advisor told Epstein that Gates “loves him,” but his wife won't allow him. Bill Gates becomes the latest to be called upon by the House Oversight Committee after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, billionaire Les Wexner and Leon Black.

Bill Gates is set to appear before a US congressional panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, answering questions about his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

Bill Gates faces Congress: What he may reveal about Jeffrey Epstein under oath

Michael Reiter, the former Palm Beach &nbsp;Police Chief who spent years investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case, alleged that federal officials effectively derailed a stronger prosecution effort in 2007. He alleged that federal authorities under the then-President George W Bush stepped in and ultimately negotiated a plea agreement that undermined the effort to pursue more serious charges. In an appalling statement, Reiter says that "it felt like the people who work for our government were working more for Epstein than they were working for the victims and protecting the public.” A Miami Herald report by Julie K Brown explores the difficulties faced by Michael Reiter and Detective Recarey as they try to build a comprehensive, rock-solid case against Epstein.Reiter said that they uncovered a vast network where minors with backpacks and braces were systematically brought to Epstein's El Brillo Way mansion. He claimed that by going after Epstein, he broke the unbreakable code of the Palm Beach community and is still paying the price. The report suggests that Reiter is still facing backlash as leading members of Congress hold the Miami Police responsible for a cover-up.However, Reiter's narrative of the event is different; he said that after gathering evidence and interviewing over two dozen girls, he was “stonewalled by state prosecutors and attacked in the media” before being ostracised by federal prosecutors who took over the case. He said that at first, Palm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer said that with so much evidence and testimony, Epstein would be put away for good.&nbsp;But soon, a powerhouse legal team, headed by some of the most aggressive lawyers in America, was assembled by Epstein. Epstein's friend and lawyer Alan Dershowitz, Krischer and the lead assistant state attorney, Lanna Belohlavek, launched an attack to shame the victims as gold diggers who were paid money by Epstein. They smoked marijuana, drank alcohol and talked about sex with boys.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-partner-not-rival-putin-border-dispute-comments-1780927087897">China tells India to see it as a partner, not a rival; backs dialogue on border disputes</a>“These were children being victimised, and a person using his privilege and influence and power and the ability to hire all the best criminal attorneys in the country. To me, if you can’t protect children, your community can’t protect anybody,” said Reiter. Infuriated by the institutional cover-up, Chief Reiter wrote blistering public letters condemning the handling of the case.Reiter then decided to meet Alex Acosta, who was then the U.S. attorney in Miami. He asked Acosta to do the needful. Acosta reportedly responded, “We have been receiving some guidance from the main justice, and (Epstein’s) defence attorneys have done a very effective job in stalling the case.” At that time, the Department of Justice was being held by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. &nbsp;Epstein ultimately only pleaded guilty to one count of solicitation, despite law enforcement agencies having knowledge of as many as 40 potential victims. Acosta, who was later part of Trump's cabinet, said once, when being interviewed for the role of labour secretary, that he was asked to leave Epstein alone as "he belonged to intelligence".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter claims federal officials under the George W. Bush administration weakened the Jeffrey Epstein case despite evidence from dozens of alleged victims, according to a Miami Herald report.

Michael Reiter, the former Palm Beach Police Chief who spent years investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case, alleged that federal officials effectively derailed a stronger prosecution effort in 2007. He alleged that federal authorities under the then-President George W Bush stepped in and ultimately negotiated a plea agreement that undermined the effort to pursue more serious charges. In an appalling statement, Reiter says that "it felt like the people who work for our government were working more for Epstein than they were working for the victims and protecting the public.” A Miami Herald report by Julie K Brown explores the difficulties faced by Michael Reiter and Detective Recarey as they try to build a comprehensive, rock-solid case against Epstein. Reiter said that they uncovered a vast network where minors with backpacks and braces were systematically brought to Epstein's El Brillo Way mansion. He claimed that by going after Epstein, he broke the unbreakable code of the Palm Beach community and is still paying the price. The report suggests that Reiter is still facing backlash as leading members of Congress hold the Miami Police responsible for a cover-up. However, Reiter's narrative of the event is different; he said that after gathering evidence and interviewing over two dozen girls, he was “stonewalled by state prosecutors and attacked in the media” before being ostracised by federal prosecutors who took over the case. He said that at first, Palm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer said that with so much evidence and testimony, Epstein would be put away for good. But soon, a powerhouse legal team, headed by some of the most aggressive lawyers in America, was assembled by Epstein. Epstein's friend and lawyer Alan Dershowitz, Krischer and the lead assistant state attorney, Lanna Belohlavek, launched an attack to shame the victims as gold diggers who were paid money by Epstein. They smoked marijuana, drank alcohol and talked about sex with boys. Also Read: China tells India to see it as a partner, not a rival; backs dialogue on border disputes “These were children being victimised, and a person using his privilege and influence and power and the ability to hire all the best criminal attorneys in the country. To me, if you can’t protect children, your community can’t protect anybody,” said Reiter. Infuriated by the institutional cover-up, Chief Reiter wrote blistering public letters condemning the handling of the case. Reiter then decided to meet Alex Acosta, who was then the U.S. attorney in Miami. He asked Acosta to do the needful. Acosta reportedly responded, “We have been receiving some guidance from the main justice, and (Epstein’s) defence attorneys have done a very effective job in stalling the case.” At that time, the Department of Justice was being held by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Epstein ultimately only pleaded guilty to one count of solicitation, despite law enforcement agencies having knowledge of as many as 40 potential victims. Acosta, who was later part of Trump's cabinet, said once, when being interviewed for the role of labour secretary, that he was asked to leave Epstein alone as "he belonged to intelligence".

Former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter claims federal officials under the George W. Bush administration weakened the Jeffrey Epstein case despite evidence from dozens of alleged victims, according to a Miami Herald report.

‘It felt like they were working for Epstein’: Former police chief makes explosive claim about Bush-era officials

British police investigating former Prince Andrew on Friday (May 22) appealed for witnesses to come forward as authorities expanded their inquiry into allegations linked to the royal’s ties with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police confirmed they are examining possible offences involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, including allegations connected to sexual misconduct and misconduct in public office. The latest development comes months after the former royal was arrested in February following fresh disclosures that emerged through documents released under the US Epstein Files Transparency Act.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-we-can-get-you-killed-even-in-america-cockroach-janata-party-founder-shares-alarming-death-threat-messages-1779437275390">'We can get you murdered even in America': Cockroach Janata Party founder shares alarming death threat messages</a><h2>Police looking into woman who was brought to Windsor "for sexual purposes"</h2>In a statement issued Friday, police revealed they had contacted lawyers representing a woman who allegedly travelled to Windsor in 2010 "for sexual purposes." The woman’s attorney, Florida-based lawyer Brad Edwards, had earlier claimed that his client was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and later had a sexual encounter with Andrew at his Windsor residence.Police said the woman has not formally filed a complaint but stressed that any report would be treated "seriously" and handled with “care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy.”Authorities also appeared eager to clarify the scope of their investigation amid growing public attention. According to the force, the inquiry is not limited to allegations that Andrew may have shared sensitive information with Epstein during his decade-long stint as Britain’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cockroach-janata-party-founder-reacts-to-pakistan-followers-claim-says-i-know-you-are-desperately-trying-to-1779436144996">Cockroach Janata Party founder reacts to 'Pakistan followers' claim, says ‘I know you are desperately trying to...’</a>"The assessment of reports that a woman was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes is ongoing," police said while again urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has not been formally charged. However, he remains under investigation. Earlier this year, King Charles III stripped his younger brother of his remaining royal titles amid mounting pressure over the Epstein controversy. Andrew was also removed from Royal Lodge in Windsor and relocated to the royal family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article. &nbsp;

British police appeal for witnesses in the ex-Prince Andrew investigation. Authorities say they are examining fresh allegations tied to his links with Jeffrey Epstein, including claims involving Windsor in 2010. What exactly are investigators looking into now? Scroll down to read.

British police investigating former Prince Andrew on Friday (May 22) appealed for witnesses to come forward as authorities expanded their inquiry into allegations linked to the royal’s ties with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police confirmed they are examining possible offences involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, including allegations connected to sexual misconduct and misconduct in public office. The latest development comes months after the former royal was arrested in February following fresh disclosures that emerged through documents released under the US Epstein Files Transparency Act. Also read | 'We can get you murdered even in America': Cockroach Janata Party founder shares alarming death threat messages Police looking into woman who was brought to Windsor "for sexual purposes" In a statement issued Friday, police revealed they had contacted lawyers representing a woman who allegedly travelled to Windsor in 2010 "for sexual purposes." The woman’s attorney, Florida-based lawyer Brad Edwards, had earlier claimed that his client was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and later had a sexual encounter with Andrew at his Windsor residence. Police said the woman has not formally filed a complaint but stressed that any report would be treated "seriously" and handled with “care, sensitivity and respect for her privacy.” Authorities also appeared eager to clarify the scope of their investigation amid growing public attention. According to the force, the inquiry is not limited to allegations that Andrew may have shared sensitive information with Epstein during his decade-long stint as Britain’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Also read | Cockroach Janata Party founder reacts to 'Pakistan followers' claim, says ‘I know you are desperately trying to...’ "The assessment of reports that a woman was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes is ongoing," police said while again urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has not been formally charged. However, he remains under investigation. Earlier this year, King Charles III stripped his younger brother of his remaining royal titles amid mounting pressure over the Epstein controversy. Andrew was also removed from Royal Lodge in Windsor and relocated to the royal family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article.

British police appeal for witnesses in the ex-Prince Andrew investigation. Authorities say they are examining fresh allegations tied to his links with Jeffrey Epstein, including claims involving Windsor in 2010. What exactly are investigators looking into now? Scroll down to read.

UK police seek woman allegedly brought to Windsor ‘for sexual purposes’; Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein under probe

A US judge on Wednesday (May 6) released a purported suicide note allegedly written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein weeks before he died in a New York jail cell. According to Epstein’s former cellmate, the handwritten note was discovered inside a book after an earlier alleged suicide attempt by the disgraced financier, weeks before his death in August 2019. "They investigated me for months -- Found NOTHING!!!" the note states on lined paper. "It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye."&nbsp;The message ends with the words, “Watcha want me to do -- Bust out cryin!! No fun -- NOT WORTH IT!!” The letter had remained sealed for years as part of the cellmate’s criminal case. However, Judge Kenneth Karas of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered its release following a request by The New York Times. Although the authenticity of the note has not been officially verified, its publication comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s death while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-pathological-liar-democrats-accuse-howard-lutnick-of-egregious-cover-up-in-epstein-investigation-1778110524766">'Pathological liar': Democrats accuse Howard Lutnick of ‘egregious cover-up’ in Epstein investigation</a>&nbsp;Authorities ruled Epstein’s death a suicide, but continued controversy over jail security failures and missing surveillance footage has fueled skepticism about the official findings. Epstein was first found injured in his jail cell in late July 2019 in what officials described as a failed suicide attempt.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fifa-world-cup-rio-de-janeiro-streets-turn-into-an-open-air-mural-show-1778089072148/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/fifa-world-cup-rio-de-janeiro-streets-turn-into-an-open-air-mural-show-1778089072148/embed</a>&nbsp;Investigators believe the note was written before that incident and hidden inside a graphic novel. The Epstein case continues to stir political debate in both the United States and Britain, especially as more documents connected to the investigation into his life and associates continue to emerge. Jeffrey Epstein, 66, was arrested in July 2019 on multiple sex-trafficking charges linked to alleged incidents between 2002 and 2005 involving the sexual abuse of girls as young as 14.

A US judge released a purported Jeffrey Epstein suicide note, reigniting debate over the convicted financier’s controversial 2019 jail death

A US judge on Wednesday (May 6) released a purported suicide note allegedly written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein weeks before he died in a New York jail cell. According to Epstein’s former cellmate, the handwritten note was discovered inside a book after an earlier alleged suicide attempt by the disgraced financier, weeks before his death in August 2019. "They investigated me for months -- Found NOTHING!!!" the note states on lined paper. "It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye." The message ends with the words, “Watcha want me to do -- Bust out cryin!! No fun -- NOT WORTH IT!!” The letter had remained sealed for years as part of the cellmate’s criminal case. However, Judge Kenneth Karas of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered its release following a request by The New York Times. Although the authenticity of the note has not been officially verified, its publication comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s death while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. Also Read: 'Pathological liar': Democrats accuse Howard Lutnick of ‘egregious cover-up’ in Epstein investigation Authorities ruled Epstein’s death a suicide, but continued controversy over jail security failures and missing surveillance footage has fueled skepticism about the official findings. Epstein was first found injured in his jail cell in late July 2019 in what officials described as a failed suicide attempt. https://www.wionews.com/videos/fifa-world-cup-rio-de-janeiro-streets-turn-into-an-open-air-mural-show-1778089072148/embed Investigators believe the note was written before that incident and hidden inside a graphic novel. The Epstein case continues to stir political debate in both the United States and Britain, especially as more documents connected to the investigation into his life and associates continue to emerge. Jeffrey Epstein, 66, was arrested in July 2019 on multiple sex-trafficking charges linked to alleged incidents between 2002 and 2005 involving the sexual abuse of girls as young as 14.

US judge releases alleged Jeffrey Epstein suicide note years after it was sealed, reviving questions surrounding his 2019 jail death

'Found Nothing': US judge releases alleged Jeffrey Epstein's suicide note

Authorities in New Mexico are investigating disturbing allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s secluded Zorro Ranch compound, where several women have claimed they were flown in and abused by Epstein and his associates. Investigators are now trying to determine how many local victims may have been involved. 


Epstein Files: What Happened at Jeffrey Epstein's New Mexico Ranch? 

A day before White House Correspondents' Association dinner shooting incident, protestors displayed a series of images and documents related to US President Donald Trump and late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein on the facade of the Washington Hilton.&nbsp;The visuals displayed included multiple photographs, videos and documents related to Epstein, along with audio reportedly featuring readings of his emails. A crowd gathered across the street, watching and recording the visuals displayed on the building's exterior.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Documentos y fotos de Jeffrey <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Epstein?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Epstein</a> y del presidente Donald <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trump</a> fueron proyectados a un costado del Hotel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hilton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hilton</a>, antes de la gala de la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHCA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHCA</a> en <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Washington?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Washington</a>. Esta cena anual reúne a periodistas que cubren la información sobre el presidente. VIDEO: Reuters <a href="https://t.co/yfZyaG1S9k">pic.twitter.com/yfZyaG1S9k</a>&mdash; Nacho Lozano (@nacholozano) <a href="https://twitter.com/nacholozano/status/2047868447791501744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The protest took place on April 24, just days before the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, a high-profile gathering that brings together journalists, political leaders, and prominent public figures who report on and engage with the US presidency.&nbsp;This year’s dinner holds particular importance, as Donald Trump is expected to attend, marking his first appearance at the event while serving in office. Widely recognised for his confrontational approach to the media and his frequent criticism of what he describes as the “fake news” press, he has generated both surprise and heightened interest across Washington.&nbsp;Hosted by the White House Correspondents' Association, the dinner has traditionally featured the sitting president as part of its long-standing tribute to press freedom. Historically, every US president has attended the event at least once during their time in office, except Trump, who chose to skip it throughout his first term and again in 2025.<h3>White House Correspondents' Association dinner shooting</h3>The event was attended by President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other high-ranking administration officials. However, the gathering was interrupted by a shooting incident that led to the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other high-ranking officials.&nbsp;At approximately 8:36 p.m. EDT, the accused, identified as Cole Thomas Allen, attempted to breach a security checkpoint near the main ballroom. He fired at least one shot, striking a Secret Service agent in their bullet-resistant vest.&nbsp;President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed off stage. In the confusion, the President appeared to fall or was pushed to the floor by agents before being escorted to safety. Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet members were also promptly evacuated to secure areas. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-excessive-demands-iran-fm-araghchi-blames-us-for-pakistan-talks-failure-ahead-of-meeting-with-putin-1777276571628">‘Excessive demands’: Iran FM Araghchi blames US for Pakistan talks failure ahead of meeting with Putin</a>

The protest was held on April 24, only a few days ahead of the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, a prominent event that convenes journalists, political leaders, and notable public figures who cover and interact with the US presidency.

A day before White House Correspondents' Association dinner shooting incident, protestors displayed a series of images and documents related to US President Donald Trump and late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein on the facade of the Washington Hilton. The visuals displayed included multiple photographs, videos and documents related to Epstein, along with audio reportedly featuring readings of his emails. A crowd gathered across the street, watching and recording the visuals displayed on the building's exterior.

The protest was held on April 24, only a few days ahead of the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, a prominent event that convenes journalists, political leaders, and notable public figures who cover and interact with the US presidency.

WATCH: Day before shooting incident, Trump-Epstein videos & photos projected onto Washington Hilton

The convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence, has sent a mystery USB drive to the Department of Justice, almost a week after First Lady Melania Trump’s surprise statement denying personal ties to Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein. The drive was sent via FedEx on April 16 to the US Attorney Jay Clayton in support of her appeal against the 20-year sentence, reported The Swamp, The Daily Beast Substack. The delivery has sparked intense public and political speculation due to its timing and the secretive nature of its contents.<h2>What was on the USB Drive?</h2>The specific content of the drive has not been made public. Though the Federal prosecutor has provided a summary of the content to the court, in a letter, he reported that Maxwell claimed to have presented 50 new exhibits containing "substantial new evidence" to argue that her trial was unfair, but Clayton suggested that the package had only 33. Clayton described her claims as “duplicative and meritless” but requested time till June 5 to respond.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palantir-manifesto-ai-militarisation-technofascism-debate-1776774249138">Palantir's manifesto calls for AI militarisation, critics call it dystopian and 'technofascism’</a><h2>Why is it mysterious, and is Maxwell getting remission?</h2>The content of the drive and its timing following the surprising denial by the First Lady, Melania Trump, about any personal ties with the Maxwell and Epstein have driven speculation about coordination and quid pro quo. Notably, there were several mentions of Melania Trump in the Epstein documents revealed by the DOJ in subsequent batches in late 2025 and early 2026, and there was political controversy over redactions and withheld names.Maxwell has long argued that the jurors in her trial failed to disclose their own history of sexual abuse during jury selection, which compromised their objectivity. While the 2007 Non Prosecution Agreement made by Jeffrey Epstein with Florida prosecutors should have given her blanket immunity. She also claims that witnesses lied under oath in the Giuffre vs Maxwell civil lawsuit trial, which became the basis of the criminal trial against Maxwell.&nbsp;In a recent Politico report, Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, said there was "a good chance and for good reason that (Maxwell) would get a pardon' from President Donald Trump."

A mystery USB drive sent by Ghislaine Maxwell to US authorities is fueling speculation about new evidence, political connections, and even a possible pardon. Here’s what we know so far about the latest twist in the Epstein case.

The convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence, has sent a mystery USB drive to the Department of Justice, almost a week after First Lady Melania Trump’s surprise statement denying personal ties to Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein. The drive was sent via FedEx on April 16 to the US Attorney Jay Clayton in support of her appeal against the 20-year sentence, reported The Swamp, The Daily Beast Substack. The delivery has sparked intense public and political speculation due to its timing and the secretive nature of its contents. What was on the USB Drive? The specific content of the drive has not been made public. Though the Federal prosecutor has provided a summary of the content to the court, in a letter, he reported that Maxwell claimed to have presented 50 new exhibits containing "substantial new evidence" to argue that her trial was unfair, but Clayton suggested that the package had only 33. Clayton described her claims as “duplicative and meritless” but requested time till June 5 to respond. Also Read: Palantir's manifesto calls for AI militarisation, critics call it dystopian and 'technofascism’ Why is it mysterious, and is Maxwell getting remission? The content of the drive and its timing following the surprising denial by the First Lady, Melania Trump, about any personal ties with the Maxwell and Epstein have driven speculation about coordination and quid pro quo. Notably, there were several mentions of Melania Trump in the Epstein documents revealed by the DOJ in subsequent batches in late 2025 and early 2026, and there was political controversy over redactions and withheld names. Maxwell has long argued that the jurors in her trial failed to disclose their own history of sexual abuse during jury selection, which compromised their objectivity. While the 2007 Non Prosecution Agreement made by Jeffrey Epstein with Florida prosecutors should have given her blanket immunity. She also claims that witnesses lied under oath in the Giuffre vs Maxwell civil lawsuit trial, which became the basis of the criminal trial against Maxwell. In a recent Politico report, Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, said there was "a good chance and for good reason that (Maxwell) would get a pardon' from President Donald Trump."

A mystery USB drive sent by Ghislaine Maxwell to US authorities is fueling speculation about new evidence, political connections, and even a possible pardon. Here’s what we know so far about the latest twist in the Epstein case.

Ghislaine Maxwell's mysterious USB drive to DOJ- Is commutation next?

Juliette Bryant, a Jeffrey Epstein survivor, has hit out at US First Lady Melania Trump over her recent statement denying all ties to the sexual offender and paedophile. Slamming Melania's demand for survivors to testify under oath, Bryant, in a fiery video she posted on X, said "MANY VICTIMS WHO TESTIFIED HAVE DIED," as she called on the FLOTUS and her husband, US President Donald Trump, to testify instead. "IT’S YOUR TURN TO TESTIFY NOW…" she said. In her statement, Melania denied ever having a relationship with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, disputed reports that Epstein had introduced her to Trump, called out what she described as fabricated images circulating on social media, and urged Congress to hold public hearings where Epstein's victims could testify under oath. "The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she said. &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-survivors-accuse-melania-trump-of-shifting-the-burden-push-back-on-call-for-congressional-hearings-we-ve-done-our-part-1775873457843">Epstein survivors accuse Melania Trump of 'shifting the burden,' push back on call for congressional hearings: 'We've done our part'</a><h2>Bryant's message to Melania Trump</h2>In a video message, Bryant identified herself as an Epstein survivor and said, "You want girls to testify under oath, well here I am testifying that everything I said is true. Unfortunately, a lot of the girls who testified died."She then called on Melania to testify, saying, "Maybe it’s time that you and your husband testify too."Watch what she said here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HELLO MELANIA TRUMP HERE I AM TESTIFYING UNDER OATH MANY VICTIMS WHO TESTIFIED HAVE DIED IT’S YOUR TURN TO TESTIFY NOW… <a href="https://t.co/xecj3OmKGr">pic.twitter.com/xecj3OmKGr</a>&mdash; EPSTEIN SURVIVOR - JULIETTE ROSE BRYANT🌈❤️⚔️ (@JulietteBryant) <a href="https://twitter.com/JulietteBryant/status/2042969886339559654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Did Epstein survivors actually die after testifying against the paedophile?</h2>At least two Epstein survivors have died after they gave testimony against Epstein. However, it is not known if their deaths and their testimonies are interlinked.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-macron-post-a-video-of-jeffrey-epstein-kissing-melania-trump-truth-behind-the-viral-clip-1775806317213">FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip</a>Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent Epstein survivors, died in April 2025, purportedly by suicide. Notably, in 2019, Guiffre in a statement on Twitter (now X), explicitly declared that she was "in no way, shape or form" suicidal. She said so while responding to a user's claim that the FBI might target her to protect well-connected figures.Another Epstein survivor, Carolyn Andriano, whose testimony proved crucial during the 2021 trial of Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell, died in May 2023 in a Florida hotel. Her death was ruled an accidental drug overdose.&nbsp;<h3>Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article. &nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;

Why is an Epstein survivor now directly challenging the Trumps? Juliette Bryant hit back at Melania Trump, saying victims have already testified—and now it’s time for her and Donald Trump to do the same. Watch video HERE

Juliette Bryant, a Jeffrey Epstein survivor, has hit out at US First Lady Melania Trump over her recent statement denying all ties to the sexual offender and paedophile. Slamming Melania's demand for survivors to testify under oath, Bryant, in a fiery video she posted on X, said "MANY VICTIMS WHO TESTIFIED HAVE DIED," as she called on the FLOTUS and her husband, US President Donald Trump, to testify instead. "IT’S YOUR TURN TO TESTIFY NOW…" she said. In her statement, Melania denied ever having a relationship with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, disputed reports that Epstein had introduced her to Trump, called out what she described as fabricated images circulating on social media, and urged Congress to hold public hearings where Epstein's victims could testify under oath. "The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she said. Also read | Epstein survivors accuse Melania Trump of 'shifting the burden,' push back on call for congressional hearings: 'We've done our part' Bryant's message to Melania Trump In a video message, Bryant identified herself as an Epstein survivor and said, "You want girls to testify under oath, well here I am testifying that everything I said is true. Unfortunately, a lot of the girls who testified died." She then called on Melania to testify, saying, "Maybe it’s time that you and your husband testify too." Watch what she said here:

Why is an Epstein survivor now directly challenging the Trumps? Juliette Bryant hit back at Melania Trump, saying victims have already testified—and now it’s time for her and Donald Trump to do the same. Watch video HERE

Fact Check: 'MANY VICTIMS WHO TESTIFIED HAVE DIED'? Epstein survivor Juliette Bryant’s viral claim vs. Melania Trump | Watch

Melania Trump's decision to go public with a statement denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein appears to have caught her own husband off guard, or at least that's how US President Donald Trump is telling it. In an interview with the New York Times on Friday (Apr 10), Trump said he knew Melania was planning to make a statement but had no idea what it would contain. When asked if it bothered him, he said it didn't, because "she had a right to talk about it." He also made clear, more than once, that the statement wasn't his suggestion.<h2>Trying to get ahead of a bigger scandal?</h2>Soon after, Melania, in a statement, denied any link with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The internet had exploded with conspiracy theories, with many suggesting that the Trumps and the White House might be trying to get ahead of a bigger scandal.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-trying-to-get-ahead-of-a-big-scandal-internet-erupts-with-conspiracy-theories-as-melania-trump-denies-ties-with-epstein-maxwell-1775810948861">White House trying to get ahead of a big scandal? Internet erupts with conspiracy theories as Melania Trump denies ties with Epstein, Maxwell</a>Political analyst Ahmed Baba speculated that something big may be "about to drop". On X, he wrote, "This was so random. To my knowledge, there was no notable discourse recently about Melania’s ties to Epstein. All eyes have been on the Iran war. What prompted this? Is something about to drop? Seems to me the First Lady just injected Epstein back into the news cycle unprompted."However, talking to the New York Times, Donald Trump kept insisting that he did not recommend that Melania address the Epstein Files. "I didn't recommend it," he told the Times. "But I said: If you want to do it, do it." He added that the two discussed it for roughly "two minutes", but didn't say when that conversation happened. He also acknowledged he wasn't sure he would have handled it the same way himself.<h2>She finds it very insulting</h2>In her statement, Melania denied ever having a relationship with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, disputed reports that Epstein had introduced her to Trump, called out what she described as fabricated images circulating on social media, and urged Congress to hold public hearings where Epstein's victims could testify under oath. She took no questions afterwards.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-macron-post-a-video-of-jeffrey-epstein-kissing-melania-trump-truth-behind-the-viral-clip-1775806317213">FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip</a>Trump said that the statement, which came as a shock to the world, centres on her feelings about the long-circulating claim that Epstein played matchmaker between them. "She finds it very insulting," he said. Melania has maintained she first met Trump at a New York City party in 1998, two years before she says she ever encountered Epstein. Paolo Zampolli, Trump's special envoy and a former modelling agent who had business dealings with Epstein, has said he was the one who made the introduction, describing it in characteristically brief terms to the Daily Beast: "I said: 'Melania meet Donald, Donald meet Melania,' and then I left the table because I had 300 guests." The first Mar-a-Lago photograph of Trump, Melania, Epstein and Maxwell together dates to February 2000. Trump told the Times that Melania "did a good job" with her statement. He also insisted the renewed avalanche of Epstein coverage doesn't upset him. "I never get upset," he said, before adding: "I don't mind anything having to do with Epstein. The only thing I don't like is I waste a lot of time" on the subject.

Is Donald Trump distancing himself from Melania Trump’s Epstein statement? He says he didn’t recommend it and isn’t upset—calling it her decision entirely. All you need to know.

Melania Trump's decision to go public with a statement denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein appears to have caught her own husband off guard, or at least that's how US President Donald Trump is telling it. In an interview with the New York Times on Friday (Apr 10), Trump said he knew Melania was planning to make a statement but had no idea what it would contain. When asked if it bothered him, he said it didn't, because "she had a right to talk about it." He also made clear, more than once, that the statement wasn't his suggestion. Trying to get ahead of a bigger scandal? Soon after, Melania, in a statement, denied any link with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The internet had exploded with conspiracy theories, with many suggesting that the Trumps and the White House might be trying to get ahead of a bigger scandal. Also read | White House trying to get ahead of a big scandal? Internet erupts with conspiracy theories as Melania Trump denies ties with Epstein, Maxwell Political analyst Ahmed Baba speculated that something big may be "about to drop". On X, he wrote, "This was so random. To my knowledge, there was no notable discourse recently about Melania’s ties to Epstein. All eyes have been on the Iran war. What prompted this? Is something about to drop? Seems to me the First Lady just injected Epstein back into the news cycle unprompted." However, talking to the New York Times, Donald Trump kept insisting that he did not recommend that Melania address the Epstein Files. "I didn't recommend it," he told the Times. "But I said: If you want to do it, do it." He added that the two discussed it for roughly "two minutes", but didn't say when that conversation happened. He also acknowledged he wasn't sure he would have handled it the same way himself. She finds it very insulting In her statement, Melania denied ever having a relationship with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, disputed reports that Epstein had introduced her to Trump, called out what she described as fabricated images circulating on social media, and urged Congress to hold public hearings where Epstein's victims could testify under oath. She took no questions afterwards. Also read | FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip Trump said that the statement, which came as a shock to the world, centres on her feelings about the long-circulating claim that Epstein played matchmaker between them. "She finds it very insulting," he said. Melania has maintained she first met Trump at a New York City party in 1998, two years before she says she ever encountered Epstein. Paolo Zampolli, Trump's special envoy and a former modelling agent who had business dealings with Epstein, has said he was the one who made the introduction, describing it in characteristically brief terms to the Daily Beast: "I said: 'Melania meet Donald, Donald meet Melania,' and then I left the table because I had 300 guests." The first Mar-a-Lago photograph of Trump, Melania, Epstein and Maxwell together dates to February 2000. Trump told the Times that Melania "did a good job" with her statement. He also insisted the renewed avalanche of Epstein coverage doesn't upset him. "I never get upset," he said, before adding: "I don't mind anything having to do with Epstein. The only thing I don't like is I waste a lot of time" on the subject.

Is Donald Trump distancing himself from Melania Trump’s Epstein statement? He says he didn’t recommend it and isn’t upset—calling it her decision entirely. All you need to know.

'I never get upset': Trump says didn't know what Melania would say, insists he isn't bothered by the renewed scrutiny over Epstein files

More than a dozen survivors of sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's abuse have responded sharply to Melania Trump's surprise public statement this week, accusing the First Lady of deflecting responsibility onto the very people who have already paid the heaviest price. In a joint statement, thirteen survivors, along with the brother and sister of the late Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent Epstein accusers before her death, said that calling on Congress to hear from victims amounted to burden-shifting, not justice. "Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports, and giving testimony," the group said. "Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility not justice."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-wow-what-a-hot-piece-of-a-melania-trump-denies-epstein-and-maxwell-ties-but-these-emails-complicate-that-story-fact-check-1775783396467">'Wow, what a hot piece of a**': Melania Trump denies Epstein and Maxwell ties, but THESE emails complicate that story | FACT CHECK</a><h2>Melania denies ties to Epstein, Maxwell</h2>In a statement on Thursday (Apr 9), the First Lady unequivocally said that "the lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today." She noted that "fake images and statements" about her and Epstein had been spreading on social media for years. Melania also denied that Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump and claimed that she met her husband two years before she ever encountered Epstein. Reports suggest that the two met independently in September 1998 at a New York Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan, hosted by Paolo Zampolli.She also stated she had never been on Epstein's plane, never visited his private island, did not know about his abuse of victims, and was never involved "in any capacity." On Maxwell, she said she had no relationship with her either. Calling on Congress to hold public hearings, she said, "give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-macron-post-a-video-of-jeffrey-epstein-kissing-melania-trump-truth-behind-the-viral-clip-1775806317213">FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip</a><h2>Epstein survivors push back</h2>However, the FLOTUS's proposal landed badly with those she was ostensibly trying to support. The survivors' group said the First Lady was "shifting the burden onto survivors under politicised conditions that protect those with power", naming the Department of Justice, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the Trump administration, which they said has "still not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act."They also directed criticism at Attorney General Pam Bondi, who this week declined to comply with a congressional subpoena to testify before the House oversight committee about the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein investigation and the release of his files. "It diverts attention from Pam Bondi, who must answer for withheld files and the exposure of survivors' identities," the statement said. "Those failures continue to put lives at risk while shielding enablers. Survivors have done their part. Now it's time for those in power to do theirs."&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article. &nbsp;

Why are Epstein survivors pushing back against Melania Trump? After FLOTUS Melania Trump denied links to Jeffrey Epstein, survivors say her call for testimony shifts the burden back onto victims.

Scroll down to read more.


More than a dozen survivors of sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's abuse have responded sharply to Melania Trump's surprise public statement this week, accusing the First Lady of deflecting responsibility onto the very people who have already paid the heaviest price. In a joint statement, thirteen survivors, along with the brother and sister of the late Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent Epstein accusers before her death, said that calling on Congress to hear from victims amounted to burden-shifting, not justice. "Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports, and giving testimony," the group said. "Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility not justice." Also read | 'Wow, what a hot piece of a**': Melania Trump denies Epstein and Maxwell ties, but THESE emails complicate that story | FACT CHECK Melania denies ties to Epstein, Maxwell In a statement on Thursday (Apr 9), the First Lady unequivocally said that "the lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today." She noted that "fake images and statements" about her and Epstein had been spreading on social media for years. Melania also denied that Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump and claimed that she met her husband two years before she ever encountered Epstein. Reports suggest that the two met independently in September 1998 at a New York Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan, hosted by Paolo Zampolli. She also stated she had never been on Epstein's plane, never visited his private island, did not know about his abuse of victims, and was never involved "in any capacity." On Maxwell, she said she had no relationship with her either. Calling on Congress to hold public hearings, she said, "give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath." Also read | FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip Epstein survivors push back However, the FLOTUS's proposal landed badly with those she was ostensibly trying to support. The survivors' group said the First Lady was "shifting the burden onto survivors under politicised conditions that protect those with power", naming the Department of Justice, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the Trump administration, which they said has "still not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act." They also directed criticism at Attorney General Pam Bondi, who this week declined to comply with a congressional subpoena to testify before the House oversight committee about the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein investigation and the release of his files. "It diverts attention from Pam Bondi, who must answer for withheld files and the exposure of survivors' identities," the statement said. "Those failures continue to put lives at risk while shielding enablers. Survivors have done their part. Now it's time for those in power to do theirs." Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article.

Why are Epstein survivors pushing back against Melania Trump? After FLOTUS Melania Trump denied links to Jeffrey Epstein, survivors say her call for testimony shifts the burden back onto victims.Scroll down to read more. &nbsp;

Epstein survivors accuse Melania Trump of 'shifting the burden,' push back on call for congressional hearings: 'We've done our part'

First lady Melania Trump denies allegations of deeper ties to Jeffrey Epstein and calls for public hearings for survivors. The move has sparked bipartisan responses and brought renewed scrutiny to the Epstein files amid new document releases and political pressure.

Melania's Denial Resurfaces Epstein Case Amid Focus on Iran War

US First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday (Apr 9) shocked the world with a public statement denying any linkages with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In a televised address, the FLOTUS denied any meaningful relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She insisted that she "never had" any relationship with the sex offenders and said that she had "no knowledge" of Epstein's criminal activity when they met. Soon after, the internet erupted with conspiracy theories about the timing of Melania's address. Internet sleuths claim that the bombshell statement may be the FLOTUS "getting ahead" of a big scandal. Here's all you need to know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-wow-what-a-hot-piece-of-a-melania-trump-denies-epstein-and-maxwell-ties-but-these-emails-complicate-that-story-fact-check-1775783396467">'Wow, what a hot piece of a**': Melania Trump denies Epstein and Maxwell ties, but THESE emails complicate that story | FACT CHECK</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article.<h2>What did Melania Trump say about Epstein and Maxwell?</h2>The First Lady unequivocally said that "the lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today." She noted that "fake images and statements" about her and Epstein had been spreading on social media for years. Melania also denied that Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump and claimed that she met her husband two years before she ever encountered Epstein. Reports suggest that the two met independently in September 1998 at a New York Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan, hosted by Paolo Zampolli.She also stated she had never been on Epstein's plane, never visited his private island, did not know about his abuse of victims, and was never involved "in any capacity." On Maxwell, she said she had no relationship with her either.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First Lady Melania Trump’s Statement <a href="https://t.co/fSEz24NEyg">pic.twitter.com/fSEz24NEyg</a>&mdash; First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/2042330778483270008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What are they trying to hide?</h2>While Melania did not specify what prompted the statement or which particular allegations she was responding to, the internet has some theories. Users online speculated that the FLOTUS was trying to "get ahead" of a bigger scandal.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-macron-post-a-video-of-jeffrey-epstein-kissing-melania-trump-truth-behind-the-viral-clip-1775806317213">FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip</a>"I think the reason Melania is getting ahead of it is Amanda Ungaro, model, Epstein survivor, &amp; mother of a child shared w P. Zampoli (who was part of introducing M to Trump at Kit Kat club) is now publicly calling her out. Zampoli also called ICE on Amanda &amp; had her deported," said one user posting screenshots of posts by a X account by the name Amanda Ungaro.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I think the reason Melania is getting ahead of it is Amanda Ungaro, model, Epstein survivor, & mother of a child shared w P. Zampoli, (who was part of introducing M to Trump at Kit Kat club) is now publicly calling her out. Zampoli also called ICE on Amanda & had her deported👀👇 <a href="https://t.co/fIjdxUdNub">https://t.co/fIjdxUdNub</a> <a href="https://t.co/5jExnmv5j0">pic.twitter.com/5jExnmv5j0</a>— Susan♀️🇺🇦 (@ifudontlike2bad) <a href="https://twitter.com/ifudontlike2bad/status/2042439341176459299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Brazilian model has previously claimed knowledge of Epstein's murky dealings. Ungaro, who has a son with Italian businessman Paolo Zampolli, the man at whose September 1998, New York Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan Melania and Donald Trump reportedly met.Political analyst Ahmed Baba speculated that something big may be "about to drop". On X, he wrote, “This was so random. To my knowledge, there was no notable discourse recently about Melania’s ties to Epstein. All eyes have been on the Iran war. What prompted this? Is something about to drop? Seems to me the First Lady just injected Epstein back into the news cycle unprompted.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This was so random. To my knowledge, there was no notable discourse recently about Melania's ties to Epstein. All eyes have been on the Iran War. What prompted this? Is something about to drop? Seems to me the First Lady just injected Epstein back into the news cycle unprompted. <a href="https://t.co/MBcUhW84yK">https://t.co/MBcUhW84yK</a>— Ahmed Baba (@AhmedBaba_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AhmedBaba_/status/2042313752616329625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Gabe Fleshier, the journalist behind Wake Up To Politics, echoed the confusion, saying “Who at the White House thought it was a good idea to resurrect the Epstein story right now? Or did FLOTUS just want to say this, and no one could overrule her?”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m so confused by this. Who at the White House thought it was a good idea to resurrect the Epstein story right now? Or did FLOTUS just want to say this, and no one could overrule her? Was anybody talking about Epstein and Melania in the last few days before this? Is this an… <a href="https://t.co/Z1gaSxbW9X">https://t.co/Z1gaSxbW9X</a>— Gabe Fleisher (@WakeUp2Politics) <a href="https://twitter.com/WakeUp2Politics/status/2042314932595704009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Why did Melania Trump break her silence on Epstein now? After the FLOTUS firmly denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, online speculation exploded over the timing.

Is this damage control or coincidence? Scroll down to read more.

US First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday (Apr 9) shocked the world with a public statement denying any linkages with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In a televised address, the FLOTUS denied any meaningful relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She insisted that she "never had" any relationship with the sex offenders and said that she had "no knowledge" of Epstein's criminal activity when they met. Soon after, the internet erupted with conspiracy theories about the timing of Melania's address. Internet sleuths claim that the bombshell statement may be the FLOTUS "getting ahead" of a big scandal. Here's all you need to know. Also read | 'Wow, what a hot piece of a**': Melania Trump denies Epstein and Maxwell ties, but THESE emails complicate that story | FACT CHECK Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article. What did Melania Trump say about Epstein and Maxwell? The First Lady unequivocally said that "the lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today." She noted that "fake images and statements" about her and Epstein had been spreading on social media for years. Melania also denied that Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump and claimed that she met her husband two years before she ever encountered Epstein. Reports suggest that the two met independently in September 1998 at a New York Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan, hosted by Paolo Zampolli. She also stated she had never been on Epstein's plane, never visited his private island, did not know about his abuse of victims, and was never involved "in any capacity." On Maxwell, she said she had no relationship with her either.

Why did Melania Trump break her silence on Epstein now? After the FLOTUS firmly denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, online speculation exploded over the timing.Is this damage control or coincidence? Scroll down to read more.

White House trying to get ahead of a big scandal? Internet erupts with conspiracy theories as Melania Trump denies ties with Epstein, Maxwell

Did French President Emmanuel Macron post a video of sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein kissing US First Lady Melania Trump? Posts on X claim exactly that. The video, purportedly posted by the French President, shows Epstein grabbing and kissing a woman who looks like Melania. The post, which has been circulating online for quite some time, is now going viral as Melania Trump, on Thursday, denied any meaningful relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She insisted that she "never had" any relationship with the sex offenders and said that she had "no knowledge" of Epstein's criminal activity when they met. As the post continues to be shared widely, let's see how real or fake it is.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-wow-what-a-hot-piece-of-a-melania-trump-denies-epstein-and-maxwell-ties-but-these-emails-complicate-that-story-fact-check-1775783396467">'Wow, what a hot piece of a**': Melania Trump denies Epstein and Maxwell ties, but THESE emails complicate that story | FACT CHECK</a><h2>What the post claimed</h2>Posts on X claim that the French President posted a 15-second clip of the sex offender kissing the US first lady as she sits on his lap. The video in question actually consists of a single still image purportedly showing Epstein and Melania Trump in an intimate moment.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Macron posted this today. That’s Melania’s first pump, Jeff Epstein. <a href="https://t.co/TKfBDFN3Nm">pic.twitter.com/TKfBDFN3Nm</a>&mdash; Dean Blundell🇨🇦 (@ItsDeanBlundell) <a href="https://twitter.com/ItsDeanBlundell/status/2041909970065621260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Did Macron post it?</h2>A manual review of Macron's X and Instagram accounts for April 8, 2026, found nothing resembling the alleged post. It doesn't exist on either platform.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/artemis-ii-astronauts-stuck-pooping-in-special-bags-after-23-million-toilet-gets-clogged-1775713143337">Artemis II: Astronauts stuck using 'special bags' as $23 million toilet gets clogged</a><h2>So, where did the image actually come from?</h2>The earliest traceable version of the image dates to February 5, 2026, posted on Facebook by an account that explicitly identifies itself as a satire and meme page. That's more than two months before the Macron claim surfaced. The Facebook post specifies that the picture is, in fact, ‘Digitally altered’ and a ‘parody’.&nbsp;

The image carries a serial number formatted to resemble those used to index materials in the Department of Justice's Epstein document library. However, a quick search of the Epstein files database returned no matches. However, the images do resemble a set of pictures that are part of the DoJ's Epstein files dump.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260410/image-1775808002502.png"></figure>Notably, the images in question do not show the face of the woman in the image. Her face has been redacted to protect her identity. Moreover, the position of Epstein's hands in the pictures is different from the one being shared online. Additionally, none of them shows Epstein wearing a ring. A close look at his hands also shows what appeared to be a deformed hand, with two of Epstein's fingers seemingly merged together.<h2>AI detectors flag the image as doctored</h2>WION ran multiple detection tests, with two different AI detection tools flagging the image as fake with 97 and 100% probability, respectively.&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260410/image-1775806341290.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260410/image-1775806487353.png"></figure>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article.

Did Emmanuel Macron really post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? A viral claim is spreading fast online. WION fact-checked the clip. What’s real and what’s fake here? scroll down to read.

Did French President Emmanuel Macron post a video of sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein kissing US First Lady Melania Trump? Posts on X claim exactly that. The video, purportedly posted by the French President, shows Epstein grabbing and kissing a woman who looks like Melania. The post, which has been circulating online for quite some time, is now going viral as Melania Trump, on Thursday, denied any meaningful relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She insisted that she "never had" any relationship with the sex offenders and said that she had "no knowledge" of Epstein's criminal activity when they met. As the post continues to be shared widely, let's see how real or fake it is. Also read | 'Wow, what a hot piece of a**': Melania Trump denies Epstein and Maxwell ties, but THESE emails complicate that story | FACT CHECK What the post claimed Posts on X claim that the French President posted a 15-second clip of the sex offender kissing the US first lady as she sits on his lap. The video in question actually consists of a single still image purportedly showing Epstein and Melania Trump in an intimate moment.

Did Emmanuel Macron really post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? A viral claim is spreading fast online. WION fact-checked the clip. What’s real and what’s fake here? scroll down to read.

FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip

Melania Trump has strongly denied allegations linking her to claims associated with Jeffrey Epstein, calling the reports false and misleading. The statement comes amid renewed public attention surrounding Epstein-related controversies and individuals connected to his network.


Melania Trump Issues Stunning Denial of Epstein Allegations

US First Lady Melania Trump, in a public statement on Thursday (Apr 9), denied any meaningful relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She insisted that she "never had" any relationship with the sex offenders and said that she had "no knowledge" of Epstein's criminal activity when they met. However, within hours of her surprise statement, a 2002 email released in the Justice Department's final tranche of Epstein documents was circulating widely online, raising questions about at least one of those claims. Here's a fact check.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article.<h3>What Melania Trump said</h3>The First Lady was unequivocal. "The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she said, adding that "fake images and statements" about her and Epstein had been spreading on social media for years. She denied that Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump and claimed that she met her husband two years before she ever encountered Epstein. Reports suggest that the two met independently in September 1998 at a New York Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan, hosted by Paolo Zampolli.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/artemis-ii-astronauts-stuck-pooping-in-special-bags-after-23-million-toilet-gets-clogged-1775713143337">Artemis II: Astronauts stuck using 'special bags' as $23 million toilet gets clogged</a>She also stated she had never been on Epstein's plane, never visited his private island, did not know about his abuse of victims, and was never involved "in any capacity." On Maxwell, she said she had no relationship with her either.Melania did not specify what prompted the statement or which particular allegations she was responding to, though photographs of Donald and Melania Trump alongside Epstein and Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago have circulated for years. She also called on Congress to hold public hearings allowing Epstein's survivors to testify under oath.<h2>Internet fact check's Melania's 'never had' a relationship with Epstein or Maxwell claim</h2>Almost immediately after the statement went public, users online pointed to a document from the Justice Department's Epstein file release: a 2002 email addressed to "Dear G", widely interpreted as Ghislaine Maxwell, with the sender's identity redacted.The email reads: "Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture. I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time! Love, Melania."The tone, "dear G," a request to call, and the sign-off "love" struck many as inconsistent with Melania's claim of having no relationship with Maxwell.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260410/image-1775783790660.png"></figure>It must be noted that the sender's ID in the email is blacked out. It has not been independently verified that the email was sent by Melania Trump rather than some other Melania. No official attribution has been confirmed.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pam-bondi-subpoenaed-house-oversight-committee-forces-trump-s-ag-to-testify-on-doj-s-alleged-epstein-files-cover-up-bipartisan-vote-1772688470568">Pam Bondi subpoenaed: House oversight committee forces Trump's AG to testify on DOJ's alleged Epstein files 'cover-up'</a><h2>A damning second email emerges</h2>A separate email is also making the rounds on X. The email is addressed to Jeffrey Epstein's Gmail account and is dated November 9, 2016, coincidentally the day after Trump's first presidential election victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260410/image-1775783828341.png"></figure>The sender, also redacted, writes about being surprised by the result and then adds: "I remember flying back with Donald on his plane the first weekend I went to visit you in Florida was the weekend he met Melania, and he kept on coming out of the bedroom saying 'wow what a hot piece of ass.'"The email, if authentic, could potentially contradict the account of how Trump and Melania met, though again, the sender's identity is unverified.<h2>So, did Epstein introduce the POTUS and FLOTUS?</h2>If rumours are to be believed, yes. However, for now, Melania insists, "Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Did Melania Trump really have “no relationship” with Epstein or Maxwell? After the FLOTUS denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, resurfaced emails have sparked fresh questions online. Coincidence, misidentification, or contradiction?

Scroll down for the fact check.

US First Lady Melania Trump, in a public statement on Thursday (Apr 9), denied any meaningful relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She insisted that she "never had" any relationship with the sex offenders and said that she had "no knowledge" of Epstein's criminal activity when they met. However, within hours of her surprise statement, a 2002 email released in the Justice Department's final tranche of Epstein documents was circulating widely online, raising questions about at least one of those claims. Here's a fact check. Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article. What Melania Trump said The First Lady was unequivocal. "The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she said, adding that "fake images and statements" about her and Epstein had been spreading on social media for years. She denied that Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump and claimed that she met her husband two years before she ever encountered Epstein. Reports suggest that the two met independently in September 1998 at a New York Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan, hosted by Paolo Zampolli. Also read | Artemis II: Astronauts stuck using 'special bags' as $23 million toilet gets clogged She also stated she had never been on Epstein's plane, never visited his private island, did not know about his abuse of victims, and was never involved "in any capacity." On Maxwell, she said she had no relationship with her either. Melania did not specify what prompted the statement or which particular allegations she was responding to, though photographs of Donald and Melania Trump alongside Epstein and Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago have circulated for years. She also called on Congress to hold public hearings allowing Epstein's survivors to testify under oath. Internet fact check's Melania's 'never had' a relationship with Epstein or Maxwell claim Almost immediately after the statement went public, users online pointed to a document from the Justice Department's Epstein file release: a 2002 email addressed to "Dear G", widely interpreted as Ghislaine Maxwell, with the sender's identity redacted. The email reads: "Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture. I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time! Love, Melania." The tone, "dear G," a request to call, and the sign-off "love" struck many as inconsistent with Melania's claim of having no relationship with Maxwell. It must be noted that the sender's ID in the email is blacked out. It has not been independently verified that the email was sent by Melania Trump rather than some other Melania. No official attribution has been confirmed. Also read | Pam Bondi subpoenaed: House oversight committee forces Trump's AG to testify on DOJ's alleged Epstein files 'cover-up' A damning second email emerges A separate email is also making the rounds on X. The email is addressed to Jeffrey Epstein's Gmail account and is dated November 9, 2016, coincidentally the day after Trump's first presidential election victory. The sender, also redacted, writes about being surprised by the result and then adds: "I remember flying back with Donald on his plane the first weekend I went to visit you in Florida was the weekend he met Melania, and he kept on coming out of the bedroom saying 'wow what a hot piece of ass.'" The email, if authentic, could potentially contradict the account of how Trump and Melania met, though again, the sender's identity is unverified. So, did Epstein introduce the POTUS and FLOTUS? If rumours are to be believed, yes. However, for now, Melania insists, "Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump".

Did Melania Trump really have “no relationship” with Epstein or Maxwell? After the FLOTUS denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, resurfaced emails have sparked fresh questions online. Coincidence, misidentification, or contradiction?Scroll down for the fact check.

'Wow, what a hot piece of a**': Melania Trump denies Epstein and Maxwell ties, but THESE emails complicate that story | FACT CHECK

Pam Bondi has been removed as US Attorney General by President Donald Trump, but she is still legally bound to testify before Congress later this month on the Epstein files investigation. A subpoena requiring her appearance on April 14 remains active. Unless something dramatic happens, she will have to face questions from Congress over the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case when she was AG. Bondi’s testimony about her time leading the Justice Department would be central to the investigation into cases involving late financier Jefffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring.&nbsp;<h2>Subpoena issued in person’s name, not post: Why Pam Bondi will need to testify</h2>Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has taken over as acting AG after Bondi was fired by Trump on Thursday (Apr 2). But congressional subpoena was issued to Bondi by name. This means it was a subpoena to the person, not to the office of the attorney general. Legal and congressional procedure allows committees to compel former officials to testify about actions taken during their tenure.The subpoena issued to Bondi on March 17 by the House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer remains in full force.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-attorney-general-pam-bondi-after-criticism-over-epstein-files-releases-1775150955840">Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi after criticism over Epstein files releases</a><h2>No cancellation of Bondi deposition before Congress panel</h2>At the time of writing this, there has been no cancellation or rescheduling of the April 14 deposition for Bondi. At the closed-door deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Bondi will most likely be grilled on the release and redactions of the Epstein files.The focus is likely to be on Bondi’s official actions in exposing the sex trafficking network of Epstein, his former associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and other aides.Congress is investigating the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein case, related proceedings involving Maxwell, the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death, and DOJ compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.Decisions taken under Bondi on the Epstein file release could also come up for questioning, including redactions and internal reviews. She might face questions on broader failures or gaps in combating sex-trafficking networks, and potential ethical violations involving public officials.The committee said Bondi was directly responsible for overseeing how Epstein-related files were collected, reviewed, and released under federal law.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-kash-patel-could-be-fired-today-former-fbi-agent-s-big-claim-after-trump-fires-pam-bondi-1775178603074">'Kash Patel could be fired today': Former FBI agent's BIG claim after Trump fires Pam Bondi</a><h2>Bipartisan agreement that Bondi must comply</h2>Representative Robert Garcia, the committee’s top Democrat, said Bondi remains legally obligated to appear under oath. Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican who backed the subpoena, said it still stands because it was issued to Bondi by name. Other lawmakers including Ro Khanna and Dave Min have seconded that position.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/-trump-removes-pam-bondi-as-attorney-general-1775184294402/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/-trump-removes-pam-bondi-as-attorney-general-1775184294402/embed</a><h2>What if Bondi refuses to appear before Congress?</h2>If Bondi fails to comply with the subpoena, the committee could move to enforce it through contempt of Congress proceedings.Committee chairman Comer has said that it will evaluate next steps if necessary, but has not indicated any change to the 14 April schedule.Bipartisan pressure is mounting on her. It would be fair to say that the ghost of Epstein is haunting her. &nbsp;

Though she was fired US Attorney General, Pam Bondi will most likely have to testify on April 14 before Congress on DOJ handling of Epstein files. She will face questions on the compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and actions on sex-trafficking rings including that of Epstein.

Pam Bondi has been removed as US Attorney General by President Donald Trump, but she is still legally bound to testify before Congress later this month on the Epstein files investigation. A subpoena requiring her appearance on April 14 remains active. Unless something dramatic happens, she will have to face questions from Congress over the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case when she was AG. Bondi’s testimony about her time leading the Justice Department would be central to the investigation into cases involving late financier Jefffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring. Subpoena issued in person’s name, not post: Why Pam Bondi will need to testify Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has taken over as acting AG after Bondi was fired by Trump on Thursday (Apr 2). But congressional subpoena was issued to Bondi by name. This means it was a subpoena to the person, not to the office of the attorney general. Legal and congressional procedure allows committees to compel former officials to testify about actions taken during their tenure. The subpoena issued to Bondi on March 17 by the House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer remains in full force. Also read: Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi after criticism over Epstein files releases No cancellation of Bondi deposition before Congress panel At the time of writing this, there has been no cancellation or rescheduling of the April 14 deposition for Bondi. At the closed-door deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Bondi will most likely be grilled on the release and redactions of the Epstein files. The focus is likely to be on Bondi’s official actions in exposing the sex trafficking network of Epstein, his former associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and other aides. Congress is investigating the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein case, related proceedings involving Maxwell, the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death, and DOJ compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Decisions taken under Bondi on the Epstein file release could also come up for questioning, including redactions and internal reviews. She might face questions on broader failures or gaps in combating sex-trafficking networks, and potential ethical violations involving public officials. The committee said Bondi was directly responsible for overseeing how Epstein-related files were collected, reviewed, and released under federal law. Also read: 'Kash Patel could be fired today': Former FBI agent's BIG claim after Trump fires Pam Bondi Bipartisan agreement that Bondi must comply Representative Robert Garcia, the committee’s top Democrat, said Bondi remains legally obligated to appear under oath. Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican who backed the subpoena, said it still stands because it was issued to Bondi by name. Other lawmakers including Ro Khanna and Dave Min have seconded that position. https://www.wionews.com/videos/-trump-removes-pam-bondi-as-attorney-general-1775184294402/embed What if Bondi refuses to appear before Congress? If Bondi fails to comply with the subpoena, the committee could move to enforce it through contempt of Congress proceedings. Committee chairman Comer has said that it will evaluate next steps if necessary, but has not indicated any change to the 14 April schedule. Bipartisan pressure is mounting on her. It would be fair to say that the ghost of Epstein is haunting her.

Though she was fired US Attorney General, Pam Bondi will most likely have to testify on April 14 before Congress on DOJ handling of Epstein files. She will face questions on the compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and actions on sex-trafficking rings including that of Epstein.

It’s not over for Pam Bondi? Fired AG still faces 14 April congressional grilling over Epstein files

The newly release documents by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in January has shaken up the world in recent months. The fresh cache of Epstein files has reignited controversy related to popular personalities like US President Donald Trump, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and the world's richest man Elon Musk. The 3 million files consists of more than 2,000 videos and over 1,80,000 photos.&nbsp;It has also led to the disclosure of personal information of Epstein survivors, who have now filed a class action lawsuit against the Trump administration and Google.&nbsp;“The United States, acting through the DOJ, made a deliberate policy choice to prioritize rapid, large-volume disclosure over protection of Epstein survivors’ privacy,” the plaintiffs said in their lawsuit filed on Thursday, reported NBC.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-threatens-to-strike-uae-s-energy-nuclear-sites-if-us-deployed-ground-troops-in-middle-east-1774593163732">Iran threatens to strike UAE's energy, nuclear sites if US deployed ground troops in Middle East</a>&nbsp;The Justice Department “outed approximately 100 survivors of the convicted sexual predator, publishing their private information and identifying them to the world," added the lawsuit.&nbsp;Later the government withdrew survivors’ personal information from the publicly released files but the plaintiffs argue that “online entities like Google continuously republish it, refusing victims’ pleas to take it down.”&nbsp;“Survivors now face renewed trauma. Strangers call them, email them, threaten their physical safety, and accuse them of conspiring with Epstein when they are, in reality, Epstein’s victims,” the complaint of the survivors read.&nbsp;There has not been any response from the Justice Department or Google on the matter so far.Some other names to have come up in the latest Epstein files released by US Justice Department are: Larry Summers, Bill Richardson, Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Kevin Spacey, Diana Ross &amp; Chris Tucker. Woody Allen, Richard Branson, Noam Chomsky, and Stephen Hawking have also been named in the list.&nbsp;

Later the government withdrew survivors’ personal information from the publicly released files but the plaintiffs argue that online entities like Google continuously republish it.

The newly release documents by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in January has shaken up the world in recent months. The fresh cache of Epstein files has reignited controversy related to popular personalities like US President Donald Trump, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and the world's richest man Elon Musk. The 3 million files consists of more than 2,000 videos and over 1,80,000 photos. It has also led to the disclosure of personal information of Epstein survivors, who have now filed a class action lawsuit against the Trump administration and Google. “The United States, acting through the DOJ, made a deliberate policy choice to prioritize rapid, large-volume disclosure over protection of Epstein survivors’ privacy,” the plaintiffs said in their lawsuit filed on Thursday, reported NBC. ALSO READ: Iran threatens to strike UAE's energy, nuclear sites if US deployed ground troops in Middle East The Justice Department “outed approximately 100 survivors of the convicted sexual predator, publishing their private information and identifying them to the world," added the lawsuit. Later the government withdrew survivors’ personal information from the publicly released files but the plaintiffs argue that “online entities like Google continuously republish it, refusing victims’ pleas to take it down.” “Survivors now face renewed trauma. Strangers call them, email them, threaten their physical safety, and accuse them of conspiring with Epstein when they are, in reality, Epstein’s victims,” the complaint of the survivors read. There has not been any response from the Justice Department or Google on the matter so far. Some other names to have come up in the latest Epstein files released by US Justice Department are: Larry Summers, Bill Richardson, Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Kevin Spacey, Diana Ross & Chris Tucker. Woody Allen, Richard Branson, Noam Chomsky, and Stephen Hawking have also been named in the list.

Later the government withdrew survivors’ personal information from the publicly released files but the plaintiffs argue that “online entities like Google continuously republish it."

Victims facing renewed trauma: Epstein survivors sue Trump administration and Google

For years, Joanna Harrison stayed silent about the abuse she says she endured at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein. Like many survivors, she carried a heavy burden of shame and humiliation. But that silence was broken when her identity was accidentally revealed in a massive release of US government documents. Speaking to BBC Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire, Harrison said she felt she had no choice but to come forward. "It gets to a point where you're being suffocated and you need to breathe, and I feel this is my way of trying to breathe," she said.&nbsp;In a rare and emotional gathering, BBC Newsnight brought Harrison together with four other Epstein survivors in the same room for the first time. What followed was hours of deeply personal conversation, marked by quiet support, shared pain, and moments of visible grief as they revisited photographs from the time they first encountered Epstein.&nbsp;Their stories reflected anger, loss, and unanswered questions. Some returned to Epstein’s private island, Little St James, while others revisited memories tied to his New Mexico ranch, places they described as unsettling and haunting. Many expressed a belief that individuals within Epstein’s powerful network must have been aware of what was happening.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-turkiye-sign-typhoon-training-deal-in-major-8-billion-defence-agreement-uk-turkiye-typhoon-deal-pilot-training-nato-defence-2026-1774445387992">UK-Turkiye sign Typhoon training deal in major £8 billion defence agreement</a><h2>Identity exposed without consent</h2>The US Department of Justice released millions of files tied to Epstein investigations, but some documents failed to properly redact victims’ identities. Harrison was among those exposed. She said she had never wanted these records made public, fearing the loss of anonymity. "It's not normal to see your abuser's face every day for six years on TV," Harrison said.&nbsp;Recalling how she met Epstein at 18 in Florida, Harrison described how what seemed routine quickly turned traumatic."Everything seemed normal," Harrison said. “When he began to masturbate, I completely froze. I don't think I said two words in the car in the ride home.” She also spoke of being raped by Epstein on his birthday. Now speaking publicly for the first time, Harrison admitted she doubts justice will ever come. "I have questions I'll never get an answer to."<h2>A jet, powerful names, and hidden abuse</h2>Another survivor, Chauntae Davies, shared previously unseen photos from a trip aboard Epstein’s private jet to Africa. Among those present were Ghislaine Maxwell, Kevin Spacey, and former US President Bill Clinton. The trip, aimed at promoting AIDS awareness, appeared ordinary on the surface.&nbsp;"I described it in my journal at the time as the most eclectic group of people that you could put together... it was almost like a camp feel because you were travelling to five different countries in five days," Davies said. Despite the seemingly light atmosphere, cards, stories, and shared meals, Davies said her experience was overshadowed by what happened privately. "It was very much a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and unfortunately, it had to be tainted by what was happening behind closed doors," she said.&nbsp;Davies has alleged that Epstein raped her on his private island. She also recalled giving Clinton a massage during a stopover in Portugal, describing him at the time as “humble, kind and charismatic.” Clinton later said he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes. Davies, however, reflected on whether speaking up would have made any difference. “I was never going to speak about this with anyone.” “What would he have done, really? Could [Clinton] have stopped it?” "I guess we'll never know."<h2>The ‘eerie’ ranch in New Mexico</h2>Davies described Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico as the site of her most traumatic experiences. "That's where the majority of the assaults happened. I have my darkest memories from Zorro Ranch," she said. She recalled feeling completely trapped. “It had a cold, dark, eerie feeling in there.” Another survivor, Lisa Phillips, echoed that sentiment:“I remember being like 'this place is really creepy', it just had that feel to it.” Davies believes there is still more to uncover about what happened there.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-palestinian-mothers-unite-in-barefoot-march-call-for-peace-1774450799745/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-palestinian-mothers-unite-in-barefoot-march-call-for-peace-1774450799745/embed</a><h2>Power, influence, and control</h2>Survivors also spoke about Epstein’s connections to influential figures, including Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew (Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor). Phillips recounted a disturbing allegation involving a friend who, she said, was directed to have sex with Prince Andrew. He has consistently denied wrongdoing. When Phillips questioned Epstein about the incident, she said he responded chillingly: “I like to have things on people.” Reflecting on his behaviour, she added:“He liked the fear in our eyes,” "I think he liked that we were frozen and scared and didn't know what to do, and I think he got off on that."<h2>Lingering trauma and lost innocence</h2>Two survivors, Jena Lisa Jones and Wendy Pesante, said they were just 14 when they first met Epstein. Pesante spoke about the long-term psychological damage: “When you go through something like that so young it kind of distorts your reality for a long time,” "You shouldn't have the mindset of a sex worker at 14."&nbsp;During the interview, survivors were shown photos of themselves from that time. "I don't smile the same way anymore," Harrison said. Phillips, looking at a photo taken on Epstein’s island, reflected: “I was enjoying my life, and I had no idea what was about to happen to me,” "This is not what I looked like when I left the island."&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article.

'It had a cold, dark, eerie feeling': Survivors recall Jeffrey Epstein’s ranch

For years, Joanna Harrison stayed silent about the abuse she says she endured at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein. Like many survivors, she carried a heavy burden of shame and humiliation. But that silence was broken when her identity was accidentally revealed in a massive release of US government documents. Speaking to BBC Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire, Harrison said she felt she had no choice but to come forward. "It gets to a point where you're being suffocated and you need to breathe, and I feel this is my way of trying to breathe," she said. In a rare and emotional gathering, BBC Newsnight brought Harrison together with four other Epstein survivors in the same room for the first time. What followed was hours of deeply personal conversation, marked by quiet support, shared pain, and moments of visible grief as they revisited photographs from the time they first encountered Epstein. Their stories reflected anger, loss, and unanswered questions. Some returned to Epstein’s private island, Little St James, while others revisited memories tied to his New Mexico ranch, places they described as unsettling and haunting. Many expressed a belief that individuals within Epstein’s powerful network must have been aware of what was happening. Also Read: UK-Turkiye sign Typhoon training deal in major £8 billion defence agreement Identity exposed without consent The US Department of Justice released millions of files tied to Epstein investigations, but some documents failed to properly redact victims’ identities. Harrison was among those exposed. She said she had never wanted these records made public, fearing the loss of anonymity. "It's not normal to see your abuser's face every day for six years on TV," Harrison said. Recalling how she met Epstein at 18 in Florida, Harrison described how what seemed routine quickly turned traumatic. "Everything seemed normal," Harrison said. “When he began to masturbate, I completely froze. I don't think I said two words in the car in the ride home.” She also spoke of being raped by Epstein on his birthday. Now speaking publicly for the first time, Harrison admitted she doubts justice will ever come. "I have questions I'll never get an answer to." A jet, powerful names, and hidden abuse Another survivor, Chauntae Davies, shared previously unseen photos from a trip aboard Epstein’s private jet to Africa. Among those present were Ghislaine Maxwell, Kevin Spacey, and former US President Bill Clinton. The trip, aimed at promoting AIDS awareness, appeared ordinary on the surface. "I described it in my journal at the time as the most eclectic group of people that you could put together... it was almost like a camp feel because you were travelling to five different countries in five days," Davies said. Despite the seemingly light atmosphere, cards, stories, and shared meals, Davies said her experience was overshadowed by what happened privately. "It was very much a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and unfortunately, it had to be tainted by what was happening behind closed doors," she said. Davies has alleged that Epstein raped her on his private island. She also recalled giving Clinton a massage during a stopover in Portugal, describing him at the time as “humble, kind and charismatic.” Clinton later said he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes. Davies, however, reflected on whether speaking up would have made any difference. “I was never going to speak about this with anyone.” “What would he have done, really? Could [Clinton] have stopped it?” "I guess we'll never know." The ‘eerie’ ranch in New Mexico Davies described Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico as the site of her most traumatic experiences. "That's where the majority of the assaults happened. I have my darkest memories from Zorro Ranch," she said. She recalled feeling completely trapped. “It had a cold, dark, eerie feeling in there.” Another survivor, Lisa Phillips, echoed that sentiment: “I remember being like 'this place is really creepy', it just had that feel to it.” Davies believes there is still more to uncover about what happened there. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-palestinian-mothers-unite-in-barefoot-march-call-for-peace-1774450799745/embed Power, influence, and control Survivors also spoke about Epstein’s connections to influential figures, including Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew (Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor). Phillips recounted a disturbing allegation involving a friend who, she said, was directed to have sex with Prince Andrew. He has consistently denied wrongdoing. When Phillips questioned Epstein about the incident, she said he responded chillingly: “I like to have things on people.” Reflecting on his behaviour, she added: “He liked the fear in our eyes,” "I think he liked that we were frozen and scared and didn't know what to do, and I think he got off on that." Lingering trauma and lost innocence Two survivors, Jena Lisa Jones and Wendy Pesante, said they were just 14 when they first met Epstein. Pesante spoke about the long-term psychological damage: “When you go through something like that so young it kind of distorts your reality for a long time,” "You shouldn't have the mindset of a sex worker at 14." During the interview, survivors were shown photos of themselves from that time. "I don't smile the same way anymore," Harrison said. Phillips, looking at a photo taken on Epstein’s island, reflected: “I was enjoying my life, and I had no idea what was about to happen to me,” "This is not what I looked like when I left the island." Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article.

Epstein survivors speak out, recounting abuse, powerful connections, and lasting trauma in a deeply emotional interview

A video from Florida has gone viral with a man with identical physical features to the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein driving on I-95 in South Florida. The video showed a grey-haired man wearing a reversed white baseball cap and dark sunglasses driving around in a convertible. As people shout in the background, “Epstein is alive”. The video accumulated millions of views within hours, adding to the theories that Epstein was alive. The man revealed that he is not Jeffrey Epstein, but &nbsp;Peter Simel, aka Palm Beach Pete. Some commentators suggested that Epstein has undergone plastic surgery and a rebranding and has been hiding till now.<h2>Who is Palm Beach Pete?</h2>Palm Beach Pete was a former Division 1 tennis player and a gold medalist. He was also a retired commercial real estate executive who previously lived and worked in New York City. Palm Beach Pete said that he was at a Hockey game with his kids, and someone filmed him with a banner that said “Jeffrey Epstein rising from the grave”, which supposedly went viral. &nbsp;He claimed that he also briefly appeared in The Real Housewives of New York City, where Sonja Morgan greeted him with a kiss. During COVID, someone posted that clip, which also went viral before being taken down. He said that he was used to such situations, but the level of attention this time was overwhelming. He said that he has gotten some hate online, but people are mostly respectful when they encounter him in person.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kharg-island-crisis-houthis-red-sea-threat-us-iran-war-1774256385090">Kharg Island crisis: Houthi threatens to disrupt Bab al-Mandab if US invades Kharg Island</a><h2>Is Palm Beach Pete linked to Jeffrey Epstein</h2>Pete said that he went to a couple of parties where Epstein was also present. He said that Epstein seemed “creepy” sitting on a couch and “staying to himself”. Epstein was supposedly not that magnitude he became later on. Pete called Epstein “mysterious” and people had no idea how he “made money”. He launched social media accounts under the names “Not Epstein” and “Not.Epstein,”. “I could be the guy, but I’m not the guy", said Pete. “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. He’s a very bad person, and he is dead- and I’m alive.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH | &#39;I’m NOT Jeffrey Epstein, I&#39;m Palm Beach PETE!&#39; Florida man in VIRAL video. <a href="https://t.co/1BJJ0k4nLh">pic.twitter.com/1BJJ0k4nLh</a>&mdash; The Page Z (@ThePageZ_) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThePageZ_/status/2034856382416228836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: Palm Beach Pete is making his rounds on social media after the viral video of him looking like Epstein. &quot;I want to thank everyone for their support. I am so not Epstein.&quot; &quot;He is dead and I am alive.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/T0CoL9Q0Ks">pic.twitter.com/T0CoL9Q0Ks</a>&mdash; AmericanPapaBear™ (@AmericaPapaBear) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmericaPapaBear/status/2035042056666791959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Epstein-lookalike ‘Palm Beach Pete’ says he partied with Epstein, nobody knows how he got rich <a href="https://t.co/lBwSvgKAn3">pic.twitter.com/lBwSvgKAn3</a>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/2035139756867080275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A viral Florida video sparked rumours that Jeffrey Epstein is alive. Here’s the truth about Palm Beach Pete, the man mistaken for the late financier.

A video from Florida has gone viral with a man with identical physical features to the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein driving on I-95 in South Florida. The video showed a grey-haired man wearing a reversed white baseball cap and dark sunglasses driving around in a convertible. As people shout in the background, “Epstein is alive”. The video accumulated millions of views within hours, adding to the theories that Epstein was alive. The man revealed that he is not Jeffrey Epstein, but Peter Simel, aka Palm Beach Pete. Some commentators suggested that Epstein has undergone plastic surgery and a rebranding and has been hiding till now. Who is Palm Beach Pete? Palm Beach Pete was a former Division 1 tennis player and a gold medalist. He was also a retired commercial real estate executive who previously lived and worked in New York City. Palm Beach Pete said that he was at a Hockey game with his kids, and someone filmed him with a banner that said “Jeffrey Epstein rising from the grave”, which supposedly went viral. He claimed that he also briefly appeared in The Real Housewives of New York City, where Sonja Morgan greeted him with a kiss. During COVID, someone posted that clip, which also went viral before being taken down. He said that he was used to such situations, but the level of attention this time was overwhelming. He said that he has gotten some hate online, but people are mostly respectful when they encounter him in person. Also Read: Kharg Island crisis: Houthi threatens to disrupt Bab al-Mandab if US invades Kharg Island Is Palm Beach Pete linked to Jeffrey Epstein Pete said that he went to a couple of parties where Epstein was also present. He said that Epstein seemed “creepy” sitting on a couch and “staying to himself”. Epstein was supposedly not that magnitude he became later on. Pete called Epstein “mysterious” and people had no idea how he “made money”. He launched social media accounts under the names “Not Epstein” and “Not.Epstein,”. “I could be the guy, but I’m not the guy", said Pete. “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. He’s a very bad person, and he is dead- and I’m alive.”

A viral Florida video sparked rumours that Jeffrey Epstein is alive. Here’s the truth about Palm Beach Pete, the man mistaken for the late financier.

Who is Palm Beach Pete? Jeffrey Epstein look-alike who used to party with him

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