Actress Cameron Diaz vehemently denies any connection to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, addressing recent claims that surfaced alongside a slew of unsealed court documents related to the late convict's case. For those unaware, Diaz's name emerged among a list of Hollywood celebrities linked to Epstein, a roster that also included Leonardo DiCaprio and Naomi Campbell.

In a statement to ET, Diaz's representative clarified her stance, affirming that the actress had never crossed paths with Epstein nor had any dealings or encounters with him whatsoever. The representative staunchly stated, "Cameron never met Jeffrey Epstein, nor was she ever in the same place as him or had any association with him whatsoever, regardless of the fact he may or may not have mentioned her name or implied that he knew her."

The mention of Diaz in connection with Epstein stemmed from a deposition by accuser Johanna Sjoberg during a 2015 defamation case against Ghislaine Maxwell. In the lawsuit, Sjoberg had recounted Epstein boasting about associations with high-profile figures like Diaz, despite never having personally met them. Sjoberg emphasised that Epstein's claims were merely attempts at name-dropping during phone conversations.

The unsealing of over 130 additional court files on Friday, part of a lawsuit concerning Epstein, shed further light on his history of sexual abuse involving underage girls and interactions with celebrities. Among the unveiled documents were excerpts from testimonies of Epstein's associates, copies of received phone messages — including one from Harvey Weinstein — and legal memos analysing potential trial witnesses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shia-labeouf-converts-to-catholicism-after-being-confirmed-at-new-years-eve-mass-677045">Shia LaBeouf converts to Catholicism after being confirmed at New Year’s Eve Mass</a>

These records are linked to a defamation lawsuit filed in 2015 by one of Epstein's victims, Virginia Giuffre, against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's girlfriend, who has been accused of aiding Epstein in the recruitment of underage victims.

The lawsuit concluded with a settlement in 2017. Maxwell, later prosecuted and found guilty, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. The released documents provided detailed insights into Epstein's modus operandi and interactions with individuals connected to the case.

Actress Cameron Diaz vehemently denies any connection to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, addressing recent claims that surfaced alongside a slew of unsealed court documents related to the late convict's case.

Actress Cameron Diaz vehemently denies any connection to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, addressing recent claims that surfaced alongside a slew of unsealed court documents related to the late convict's case. For those unaware, Diaz's name emerged among a list of Hollywood celebrities linked to Epstein, a roster that also included Leonardo DiCaprio and Naomi Campbell. In a statement to ET, Diaz's representative clarified her stance, affirming that the actress had never crossed paths with Epstein nor had any dealings or encounters with him whatsoever. The representative staunchly stated, "Cameron never met Jeffrey Epstein, nor was she ever in the same place as him or had any association with him whatsoever, regardless of the fact he may or may not have mentioned her name or implied that he knew her." The mention of Diaz in connection with Epstein stemmed from a deposition by accuser Johanna Sjoberg during a 2015 defamation case against Ghislaine Maxwell. In the lawsuit, Sjoberg had recounted Epstein boasting about associations with high-profile figures like Diaz, despite never having personally met them. Sjoberg emphasised that Epstein's claims were merely attempts at name-dropping during phone conversations. The unsealing of over 130 additional court files on Friday, part of a lawsuit concerning Epstein, shed further light on his history of sexual abuse involving underage girls and interactions with celebrities. Among the unveiled documents were excerpts from testimonies of Epstein's associates, copies of received phone messages — including one from Harvey Weinstein — and legal memos analysing potential trial witnesses. Also read: Shia LaBeouf converts to Catholicism after being confirmed at New Year’s Eve Mass These records are linked to a defamation lawsuit filed in 2015 by one of Epstein's victims, Virginia Giuffre, against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's girlfriend, who has been accused of aiding Epstein in the recruitment of underage victims. The lawsuit concluded with a settlement in 2017. Maxwell, later prosecuted and found guilty, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. The released documents provided detailed insights into Epstein's modus operandi and interactions with individuals connected to the case.

Cameron Diaz says she never met sex offender Jeffrey Epstein despite being named in court records

The recently released Jeffrey Epstein's court papers have revealed the names of dozens of high-profile people who used to rub shoulders with the registered sex offender, who in 2019, while waiting for trial, took his own life. A few curious things that have come to light with the Wednesday (Jan 3) unveiling of court documents is about Epstein's private island, now popularly being referred to as his 'paedophile island'.&nbsp;

From its location to the reason behind its disturbing nickname, here's everything you need to know about Jeffrey Epstein's 'paedophile island'.

<h2>The 'paedophile island'</h2>

Epstein's private island is called the Little Saint James, and it is located in the United States Virgin Islands, near St&nbsp;Thomas Island.&nbsp;

The 72-acre island reportedly has several villas, pools, and even a helipad, and was one of the many locations where Epstein and his associates allegedly exploited underage girls for sex. Other locations include Epstein's homes in Manhattan,&nbsp;and Palm Beach, Florida.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-explains-jeffrey-epstein-scandal-continues-beyond-the-grave-heres-all-you-need-to-know-671613">Explained | Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues ‘beyond the grave’. Here’s all you need to know</a>

As per CBS News, even though the financier used to make substantial donations to the US Virgin Islands government officials and schools, people say he didn't have the best reputation in the area.&nbsp;

In a 2020 interview, US Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George even told the news organisation that she believes he was not "regarded as an upstanding member of the community."&nbsp;

"It was public knowledge that he was a registered sex offender," she remarked.

As per Bloomberg, locals reportedly had other names for Little St&nbsp;James Island: 'orgy island' and paedophile island.

<h2>What happened&nbsp;on the island...</h2>

Epstein reportedly purchased the island in 1998 and owned it right up till his death by suicide in 2019. Back then, the island was valued at more than 63 million dollars or $63,874,223 to be exact.

As per a Miami Herald article from 2019, Little St. James was Epstein's primary residence. In 2018, Epstein purchased a second larger island called the Great St. James.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stephen-hawking-visited-epsteins-disgraced-island-but-did-he-engage-is-underage-orgy-too-676444">Stephen Hawking visited Epstein's disgraced island but did he engage in 'underage orgy' too?</a>

As per the report, plane records to and from the island show that during the time he was "abusing young girls," he was flying the likes of "former President Bill Clinton, Harvard professors and administrators, Nobel-prize-winning scientists, actresses, actors, philanthropists and who's who of wealthy and powerful people to his island".

These people would go to the island Epstein, fondly called "Little St. Jeff" aboard his plane nicknamed "the Lolita Express". The plane, as per the report, was allegedly also used to traffic women and girls from overseas.

Another vehicle called the called the "Lady Ghislaine"&nbsp;used to ferry his associates and the young women they preyed upon. The super yacht is now called 'Dancing Hare' and belongs to Anna Murdoch, a Scottish-Australian journalist and novelist. However, back then, it was owned by Robert Maxwell, the father of Epstein's former beau Ghislaine Maxwell, after whom it was named.

Witnesses, including air traffic controllers, and other airport personnel, as per CNS News, have reported seeing Epstein with girls who looked to be pre-teens.

Reportedly, When Epstein was alive, authorities weren't allowed to enter the island as it was private property.

"Remember, he owns a whole island," said&nbsp;Denise George,&nbsp;former attorney general for the Virgin Islands,

"So it wasn't a situation where a child or a young woman would be able to just break away and run down the street to the nearest police station," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-clinton-likes-them-young-epstein-court-files-expose-former-us-presidents-dark-sexual-desires-676452">'Bill Clinton likes them young', claimed Epstein, unsealed court files show</a>

However, as per the lawsuit, a 15-year-old alleged victim still attempted to escape by swimming. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the victim alleged that the financier brought her to his office on the island and raped her.

"He also trapped me in his bedroom on the island, where he had a gun strapped to his bedpost. I couldn't leave. The only means of getting off the island was either helicopter or boat," she said, recounting&nbsp;her ordeal.

<h2>Two Islands Sold</h2>

Last year (2023), in May, billionaire Stephen Deckoff bought Epstein's two islands: Little St. James and neighbouring 160-acre Great St. James for $60 million.

A significant portion of the sale proceeds, as per a press release announcing the acquisition, will be paid to the Government of the US Virgin Islands under a previously announced settlement agreement between the government and Jeffrey Epstein's estate.

Deckoff, the founder of private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management, has plans to develop a "state-of-the-art, five-star, world-class luxury 25-room resort" on the islands. The resort, according to a news release about the acquisition, is anticipated to open in 2025.

"I've been proud to call the US Virgin Islands home for more than a decade and am tremendously pleased to be able to bring the area a world-class destination befitting its natural grace and beauty," said Deckoff.

The "state-of-the-art, five-star, world-class luxury 25-room resort that will help bolster tourism, create jobs, and spur economic development in the region, while respecting and preserving the important environment of the islands," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The recently released Jeffrey Epstein's court papers have revealed the names of dozens of high-profile people who used to rub shoulders with the registered sex offender, who in 2019, while waiting for trial, took his own life.

The recently released Jeffrey Epstein's court papers have revealed the names of dozens of high-profile people who used to rub shoulders with the registered sex offender, who in 2019, while waiting for trial, took his own life. A few curious things that have come to light with the Wednesday (Jan 3) unveiling of court documents is about Epstein's private island, now popularly being referred to as his 'paedophile island'. From its location to the reason behind its disturbing nickname, here's everything you need to know about Jeffrey Epstein's 'paedophile island'. The 'paedophile island' Epstein's private island is called the Little Saint James, and it is located in the United States Virgin Islands, near St Thomas Island. The 72-acre island reportedly has several villas, pools, and even a helipad, and was one of the many locations where Epstein and his associates allegedly exploited underage girls for sex. Other locations include Epstein's homes in Manhattan, and Palm Beach, Florida. Also read | Explained | Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues ‘beyond the grave’. Here’s all you need to know As per CBS News, even though the financier used to make substantial donations to the US Virgin Islands government officials and schools, people say he didn't have the best reputation in the area. In a 2020 interview, US Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George even told the news organisation that she believes he was not "regarded as an upstanding member of the community." "It was public knowledge that he was a registered sex offender," she remarked. As per Bloomberg, locals reportedly had other names for Little St James Island: 'orgy island' and paedophile island. What happened on the island... Epstein reportedly purchased the island in 1998 and owned it right up till his death by suicide in 2019. Back then, the island was valued at more than 63 million dollars or $63,874,223 to be exact. As per a Miami Herald article from 2019, Little St. James was Epstein's primary residence. In 2018, Epstein purchased a second larger island called the Great St. James. Also read | Stephen Hawking visited Epstein's disgraced island but did he engage in 'underage orgy' too? As per the report, plane records to and from the island show that during the time he was "abusing young girls," he was flying the likes of "former President Bill Clinton, Harvard professors and administrators, Nobel-prize-winning scientists, actresses, actors, philanthropists and who's who of wealthy and powerful people to his island". These people would go to the island Epstein, fondly called "Little St. Jeff" aboard his plane nicknamed "the Lolita Express". The plane, as per the report, was allegedly also used to traffic women and girls from overseas. Another vehicle called the called the "Lady Ghislaine" used to ferry his associates and the young women they preyed upon. The super yacht is now called 'Dancing Hare' and belongs to Anna Murdoch, a Scottish-Australian journalist and novelist. However, back then, it was owned by Robert Maxwell, the father of Epstein's former beau Ghislaine Maxwell, after whom it was named. Witnesses, including air traffic controllers, and other airport personnel, as per CNS News, have reported seeing Epstein with girls who looked to be pre-teens. Reportedly, When Epstein was alive, authorities weren't allowed to enter the island as it was private property. "Remember, he owns a whole island," said Denise George, former attorney general for the Virgin Islands, "So it wasn't a situation where a child or a young woman would be able to just break away and run down the street to the nearest police station," she added. Also read | 'Bill Clinton likes them young', claimed Epstein, unsealed court files show However, as per the lawsuit, a 15-year-old alleged victim still attempted to escape by swimming. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the victim alleged that the financier brought her to his office on the island and raped her. "He also trapped me in his bedroom on the island, where he had a gun strapped to his bedpost. I couldn't leave. The only means of getting off the island was either helicopter or boat," she said, recounting her ordeal. Two Islands Sold Last year (2023), in May, billionaire Stephen Deckoff bought Epstein's two islands: Little St. James and neighbouring 160-acre Great St. James for $60 million. A significant portion of the sale proceeds, as per a press release announcing the acquisition, will be paid to the Government of the US Virgin Islands under a previously announced settlement agreement between the government and Jeffrey Epstein's estate. Deckoff, the founder of private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management, has plans to develop a "state-of-the-art, five-star, world-class luxury 25-room resort" on the islands. The resort, according to a news release about the acquisition, is anticipated to open in 2025. "I've been proud to call the US Virgin Islands home for more than a decade and am tremendously pleased to be able to bring the area a world-class destination befitting its natural grace and beauty," said Deckoff. The "state-of-the-art, five-star, world-class luxury 25-room resort that will help bolster tourism, create jobs, and spur economic development in the region, while respecting and preserving the important environment of the islands," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Murky story of Epstein's 'paedophile island' where who's who of powerful world abused young girls

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's associates have become public knowledge. On Wednesday (Jan&nbsp;3rd), a&nbsp;New York judge began to unseal the identities of people linked in court documents to&nbsp;the US financier,&nbsp;who had committed suicide a couple of years back.

This comes as last month (on Dec 18), Manhattan federal court judge Loretta Preska ordered the New York Court to "unseal in full" the names of around 180 people associated with Epstein.

Here's everything you need to know about financier Epstein and the controversy that surrounds him...even after his death.

<h2>Unsealing names</h2>

Judge Preska's order is part of a defamation proceeding between Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, and known accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and plaintiff Virginia Giuffre, who had sued the duo in 2015.

The names of more than 150 associates mentioned&nbsp;in the lawsuit, many of them appearing under the pseudonym "John Doe" or "Jane Doe", are now being released, after their identities remained a secret from the public for so long. The rest of the names will be kept sealed&nbsp;as the individuals objected to them becoming public knowledge.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stephen-hawking-visited-epsteins-disgraced-island-but-did-he-engage-is-underage-orgy-too-676444">Stephen Hawking visited Epstein's disgraced island but did he engage in 'underage orgy' too?</a>

The unsealing, as per AFP, includes names of Epstein's associates, suspected accomplices and his victims.

In December, noting that many of the names are already public due to interviews and other media coverage, the judge, as per CNS News, said that the substance in question was not salacious and should not be kept sealed.

However, given that some "J.Does" are minors and possible victims of the paramours, the Judge said their information would remain sealed.

Among Epstein's known associates are the Duke of York Prince Andrews, former US presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-clinton-likes-them-young-epstein-court-files-expose-former-us-presidents-dark-sexual-desires-676452">'Bill Clinton likes them young', claimed Epstein, unsealed court files show</a>

According to the ruling, the names were to be made public on January 1, 2024, individuals were given 14 days to appeal against the revelation of their names.&nbsp;

Court documents explicitly allowed "impacted Doe the opportunity to appeal."&nbsp;

<h2>The crimes of Jeffrey Epstein</h2>

Jeffrey Epstein was a financier with a powerful network in the United States and abroad. He has been accused of sexually assaulting minor girls and running a sex trafficking network with his ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

In the 1990s, the duo reportedly exploited a large number of girls — some of them as young as 14 years, grooming them into having sex with wealthy clients.&nbsp;

The allegations of sexual battery against Jeffrey Epstein started in 2015, when a woman contacted Florida's Palm Beach Police Department, alleging that her 14-year-old stepdaughter had been taken to Epstein's manor by an older girl. She alleged that the teenager was paid $300 to undress.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrews-reputation-highly-damaged-after-involvement-in-jeffrey-epstein-case-experts-say-407435">Prince Andrew's reputation 'highly damaged' after involvement in Jeffrey Epstein case, experts say</a>

Following this, the Palm Beach Police began a thirteen-month undercover investigation of Epstein. This included a search of his home, which uncovered a large amount of pictures of young girls, along with two hidden cameras.&nbsp;

Soon, the FBI became involved, launching its own investigation nicknamed "Operation Leap Year". In June 2007, the federal agency submitted a 53-page indictment against him. Subsequently, Epstein agreed to plead guilty in Florida, registering as a sex offender.

In 2008, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to a state charge of procuring for prostitution a girl below age 18.

On July 6, 2019, he was arrested on sex trafficking charges by the FBI-NYPD Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was jailed at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.

A subsequent search of his Manhattan townhouse turned up evidence of sex trafficking, and also found "hundreds – and perhaps thousands – of sexually suggestive photographs of fully – or partially – nude females". On July 8, prosecutors with the Public Corruption Unit of the Southern District of New York charged Epstein with sex trafficking and conspiracy to traffic minors for sex.

He sought release on bail, but the request was denied on July 18 by US District Judge Richard M Berman, who said Epstein posed a danger to the public and a serious flight risk to avoid prosecution.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-claims-jeffrey-epstein-was-murdered-555514" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-claims-jeffrey-epstein-was-murdered-555514&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq4NPSt52DAxWMbGwGHXJrAb0QFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WcSnXuJPaOZAqHxCO7Qm2" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-claims-jeffrey-epstein-was-murdered-555514" target="_blank">Ghislaine Maxwell claims&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein&nbsp;was murdered</a>

On July 23, 2019, he was found injured in his cell, with marks around his neck. Finally, awaiting trial over charges of one count of sex trafficking conspiracy and one count of sex trafficking with underage females, Epstein committed suicide in jail on August 10, 2019. Soon, Epstein's death became the subject of widespread controversy and debate. Many believe that his death was a homicide.

<h2>Virginia Giuffre v. Epstein and&nbsp;Virginia Giuffre v. Ghislaine Maxwell</h2>

As per British media reports, the defamation claim which dates back around nine years was settled in 2017. In an affidavit, Virginia&nbsp;Giuffre (then known as Virginia Roberts) alleged that at age 17, she was sexually trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell. Giuffre said that she was used by Epstein and others, including Prince Andrews and retired Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whos-who-in-the-jeffrey-epstein-sex-scandal-242638" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/whos-who-in-the-jeffrey-epstein-sex-scandal-242638&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq4NPSt52DAxWMbGwGHXJrAb0QFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0J4hFOEjk8895kB-WvA9p7" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whos-who-in-the-jeffrey-epstein-sex-scandal-242638" target="_blank">Who's Who in the&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein&nbsp;sex scandal</a>

She also claimed that the duo and others had sexually abused her and that the FBI may have been part of a cover-up against her.&nbsp;

Apart from this, numerous other cases were filed against him&nbsp;by alleged victims under pseudonyms and other entities.&nbsp;

His paramour, Maxwell, was convicted in December 2021 in New York of trafficking underage girls for sex and was sentenced in 2022 to a 20-year prison term.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's associates have become public knowledge. On Wednesday (Jan 3rd), a New York judge began to unseal the identities of people linked in court documents to the US financier, who had committed suicide a couple of years back.

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's associates have become public knowledge. On Wednesday (Jan 3rd), a New York judge began to unseal the identities of people linked in court documents to the US financier, who had committed suicide a couple of years back. This comes as last month (on Dec 18), Manhattan federal court judge Loretta Preska ordered the New York Court to "unseal in full" the names of around 180 people associated with Epstein. Here's everything you need to know about financier Epstein and the controversy that surrounds him...even after his death. Unsealing names Judge Preska's order is part of a defamation proceeding between Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, and known accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and plaintiff Virginia Giuffre, who had sued the duo in 2015. The names of more than 150 associates mentioned in the lawsuit, many of them appearing under the pseudonym "John Doe" or "Jane Doe", are now being released, after their identities remained a secret from the public for so long. The rest of the names will be kept sealed as the individuals objected to them becoming public knowledge. Also read | Stephen Hawking visited Epstein's disgraced island but did he engage in 'underage orgy' too? The unsealing, as per AFP, includes names of Epstein's associates, suspected accomplices and his victims. In December, noting that many of the names are already public due to interviews and other media coverage, the judge, as per CNS News, said that the substance in question was not salacious and should not be kept sealed. However, given that some "J.Does" are minors and possible victims of the paramours, the Judge said their information would remain sealed. Among Epstein's known associates are the Duke of York Prince Andrews, former US presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. Also read | 'Bill Clinton likes them young', claimed Epstein, unsealed court files show According to the ruling, the names were to be made public on January 1, 2024, individuals were given 14 days to appeal against the revelation of their names. Court documents explicitly allowed "impacted Doe the opportunity to appeal." The crimes of Jeffrey Epstein Jeffrey Epstein was a financier with a powerful network in the United States and abroad. He has been accused of sexually assaulting minor girls and running a sex trafficking network with his ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. In the 1990s, the duo reportedly exploited a large number of girls — some of them as young as 14 years, grooming them into having sex with wealthy clients. The allegations of sexual battery against Jeffrey Epstein started in 2015, when a woman contacted Florida's Palm Beach Police Department, alleging that her 14-year-old stepdaughter had been taken to Epstein's manor by an older girl. She alleged that the teenager was paid $300 to undress. Also read | Prince Andrew's reputation 'highly damaged' after involvement in Jeffrey Epstein case, experts say Following this, the Palm Beach Police began a thirteen-month undercover investigation of Epstein. This included a search of his home, which uncovered a large amount of pictures of young girls, along with two hidden cameras. Soon, the FBI became involved, launching its own investigation nicknamed "Operation Leap Year". In June 2007, the federal agency submitted a 53-page indictment against him. Subsequently, Epstein agreed to plead guilty in Florida, registering as a sex offender. In 2008, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to a state charge of procuring for prostitution a girl below age 18. On July 6, 2019, he was arrested on sex trafficking charges by the FBI-NYPD Crimes Against Children Task Force. He was jailed at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City. A subsequent search of his Manhattan townhouse turned up evidence of sex trafficking, and also found "hundreds – and perhaps thousands – of sexually suggestive photographs of fully – or partially – nude females". On July 8, prosecutors with the Public Corruption Unit of the Southern District of New York charged Epstein with sex trafficking and conspiracy to traffic minors for sex. He sought release on bail, but the request was denied on July 18 by US District Judge Richard M Berman, who said Epstein posed a danger to the public and a serious flight risk to avoid prosecution. Also read | Ghislaine Maxwell claims Jeffrey Epstein was murdered On July 23, 2019, he was found injured in his cell, with marks around his neck. Finally, awaiting trial over charges of one count of sex trafficking conspiracy and one count of sex trafficking with underage females, Epstein committed suicide in jail on August 10, 2019. Soon, Epstein's death became the subject of widespread controversy and debate. Many believe that his death was a homicide. Virginia Giuffre v. Epstein and Virginia Giuffre v. Ghislaine Maxwell As per British media reports, the defamation claim which dates back around nine years was settled in 2017. In an affidavit, Virginia Giuffre (then known as Virginia Roberts) alleged that at age 17, she was sexually trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell. Giuffre said that she was used by Epstein and others, including Prince Andrews and retired Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz. Also read | Who's Who in the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal She also claimed that the duo and others had sexually abused her and that the FBI may have been part of a cover-up against her. Apart from this, numerous other cases were filed against him by alleged victims under pseudonyms and other entities. His paramour, Maxwell, was convicted in December 2021 in New York of trafficking underage girls for sex and was sentenced in 2022 to a 20-year prison term. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues ‘beyond the grave’. Here’s all you need to know

A couple of days after a federal judge announced the unsealing of names of over 170 people associated with disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, one of his victims has come forward with a request.

A couple of days after a federal judge announced the unsealing of names of over 170 people associated with disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, one of his victims has come forward with a request. The victim has asked the judge to keep her identity secret, saying she "lives in fear" for her safety. The anonymous victim, identified as "Doe 107" in the court documents filed the request through her attorney in front of Manhattan Federal Judge Loretta Preska. “She lives outside the United States in a culturally conservative country and lives in fear of her name being released," her attorney stated, adding that the victim "faces risks of physical harm". Although the victim was not one of the individuals referenced in the soon-to-be unsealed documents, her attorney sought clarification if the court had already decided not to reveal the woman's identity. Notably, the judge had requested Doe 107 to provide an affidavit that supported her claim that she faced risk of physical harm in her country and details concerning one of the hate mail she had received, by November 22. However, Doe 107 failed to turn in the affidavit by the deadline as she switched attorneys and the new legal representation wasn't aware of the cut-off. WATCH | Private Islands owned by Jeffrey Epstein Release of documents Notably, on Monday, Judge Preska announced the release of long-sealed documents that are related to Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre who had brought a defamation suit against his madam, Ghislaine Maxwell, back in 2015. Prior to the ruling, dozens of individuals, including some high-class personalities had only been identified as "Jane Does” or “John Does” in various court filings linked to the suit. Also read | Explained | Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues ‘beyond the grave’. Here’s all you need to know Noting that many of the names are already public due to interviews and other media coverage, the judge, as per CNS News, said that the substance in question was not salacious and should not be kept sealed. The individuals, whose names appear in the documents have been given 14 days to appeal the decision, the court documents reveal. The documents related to the case have slowly trickled into the public since 2019 when the first batch was released, days before Epstein allegedly hanged himself in prison, awaiting trial. (With inputs from agencies)

Jeffrey Epstein victim 'Doe 107' urges court not to release her name in soon-to-be unsealed documents

Over 170 people associated with disgraced paedophile Jeffery Epstein will be named in court documents, set to be released early next year. Judge Loretta Preska on Monday (Dec 18) announced the release of long-sealed documents that are related to Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre who had brought a defamation suit against his madam, Ghislaine Maxwell, back in 2015.

Over 170 people associated with disgraced paedophile Jeffery Epstein will be named in court documents, set to be released early next year. Judge Loretta Preska on Monday (Dec 18) announced the release of long-sealed documents that are related to Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre who had brought a defamation suit against his madam, Ghislaine Maxwell, back in 2015. Prior to the ruling, dozens of individuals, including some high-class personalities had only been identified as "Jane Does” or “John Does” in various court filings linked to the suit. The individuals, whose names appear in the documents have been given 14 days to appeal the decision, the court documents reveal. "The Court stays its order for fourteen days to permit any impacted Doe the opportunity to appeal, after which counsel are asked to confer, prepare the documents for unsealing pursuant to this order, and post the documents on the docket," read the verdict. According to reports, there will be unsealed documents about one of Prince Andrew's accusers, who claims he fondled her breasts at Epstein's New York mansion. The documents related to the case have slowly trickled into the public since 2019 when the first batch was released, days before Epstein allegedly hanged himself in prison, awaiting trial. There has been a long-brewing conspiracy that the high-profile names that were in contact with Epstein had managed to keep their names behind redacted lines due to their power and influence. WATCH | Private Islands owned by Jeffrey Epstein What did Epstein do? Epstein was accused of sexually exploiting dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida between 2002 and 2005. However, the majority of his sexual exploits took place on the 72-acre Little St. James Island which he purchased in 1998 for $7.95 million. He later bought the 160-acre Great St. James Island for $20 million in 2016 and brought his victims there using a private jet. Several associates of Epstein are believed to have arrived on the island and participated in similar sexual misadventures. Also read | JPMorgan settles Epstein sex trafficking lawsuit with US Virgin Islands, to pay $75million After Epstein's alleged suicide, Maxwell was arrested in the United States and charged with sex trafficking minors for him on July 2, 2020. After a very public trial where Maxwell became the face of Epstein's sex-fuelled empire, she was handed a 20-year prison sentence by a court in New York in June, earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies)

New Year reveal: Over 170 high-profile people with links to Jeffrey Epstein to be named in unsealed court docs

Redacted documents from Ghislaine Maxwell's 2016 deposition in a defamation lawsuit were made public, showing her angrily rejecting claims she introduced a teenage girl as a sex partner to a man believed to be Prince Andrew. Watch report.