Largest release of Epstein files
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has released millions of new files relating to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking the largest public disclosure since a law mandated their release last year. Friday’s release includes three million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the release “marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure transparency to the American people and compliance.” The files were made public six weeks after the DOJ missed a statutory deadline signed into law by former President Donald Trump.
Details on Epstein, Maxwell and high-profile contacts
The documents cover Epstein’s time in prison, including a psychological report and circumstances surrounding his death, as well as investigative records on Ghislaine Maxwell, his associate who was convicted of trafficking underaged girls.
Emails and records detail Epstein’s relationships with high-profile figures. Correspondence includes messages with Andrew, formerly the Duke of York, discussing meetings at Buckingham Palace and introductions to women. Some files also include a photograph appearing to show the former prince in a compromising position. BBC has contacted Andrew for comment; he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Other high-profile names appearing in the files include Sarah Ferguson, Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Lord Mandelson. The documents also show interactions with foreign officials such as Slovakia’s former national security adviser Miroslav Lajčák. Officials emphasise that being mentioned in the files does not indicate any wrongdoing.
Payments to Lord Mandelson
Bank statements released in the latest Epstein DOJ files suggest that Jeffrey Epstein made $75,000 (£55,000) in payments to accounts connected to Lord Mandelson. Between 2003 and 2004, Epstein appears to have sent three separate $25,000 payments referencing Mandelson.
Lord Mandelson has said he has no record or recollection of receiving these sums and could not confirm the documents’ authenticity. Another batch of emails shows Mandelson requesting to stay at one of Epstein’s properties on 16 June 2009, while Epstein was serving a prison sentence for soliciting prostitution from someone under 18.
Mandelson, who was appointed UK ambassador to the US in December 2024 but removed less than a year later, has repeatedly expressed regret over his past friendship with Epstein, stating that he never saw wrongdoing and “fell for his lies.”
Mentions of President Trump
The files include hundreds of references to US President Donald Trump. While Trump had a friendship with Epstein, he has denied any knowledge of the financier’s sex crimes. The documents contain unverified allegations reported to the FBI, including claims of sexual abuse linked to Trump, Epstein, and other figures.
The DOJ emphasised that many of these claims are unfounded. “Some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election,” the department stated.
Elon Musk correspondence
Emails between Epstein and tech billionaire Elon Musk reveal discussions about potential visits to Epstein’s island, including a proposed 2012 trip. Musk asked Epstein: “What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” He also inquired about upcoming events in December 2012, expressing a desire to “let loose” after the holidays.
Musk clarified that he never took a trip to Epstein’s island. On X, he stated he is “well aware that some email correspondence with [Epstein] could be misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name,” adding he prioritises prosecuting those who committed serious crimes with Epstein.
Bill Gates dismisses allegations
The files contain lurid allegations regarding Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, including claims of sexually transmitted infections. Gates’ spokesperson told the BBC these claims are “absolutely absurd and completely false,” describing them as part of Epstein’s efforts to entrap and defame.
The emails include drafts that appear to have been written by Epstein in July 2013, but it is unclear if they were ever sent to Gates. Both emails were unsigned and sent from Epstein’s account back to the same address, without any visible Gates account.
Redactions and victim privacy concerns
Gloria Allred, who represents many of Epstein’s victims, said numerous survivors’ names and images appeared in the release, including some previously unidentified publicly. The DOJ said it is working to address victim concerns and ensure proper redactions for personally identifiable information, particularly for sensitive sexual content.
Ongoing scrutiny and withheld files
While the DOJ described Friday’s release as the conclusion of its review, critics argue that millions of potentially responsive documents remain unreleased. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna expressed concern that around two-and-a-half million pages may still be withheld without explanation.
The DOJ missed a 19 December statutory deadline to release all files as required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Blanche stated that apart from a “small number of documents” potentially requiring judicial approval, the DOJ considers its review complete.
Source: BBC
Featured photo: The Britannica
Also read: Epstein Case: These Are the Prominent Names Mentioned in the New Documents
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