The 19 new documents, though fewer than the over 40 disclosed on Wednesday, continue to reveal connections between Epstein and well-known figures, including celebrities and politicians.These individuals were mentioned as part of Epstein’s circle before his allegations of sexually abusing underage girls nearly two decades ago surfaced.
These records also include narratives from several of Epstein’s young victims, predominantly high school students, who were coerced into providing him with illegal massages for payments of $200.
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These unsealed records are linked to a lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s ex-girlfriend and key accomplice in targeting young, vulnerable girls. Although the lawsuit was settled in 2017, the documents are still being disclosed years later.
For those familiar with the scandal, most names in the documents are recognizable. During Maxwell’s trial two years ago, victims recounted how Epstein used his famous friends’ names to lure them, implying that he could help fulfill their aspirations in modeling or art. Maxwell, now 62, was found guilty of sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year sentence.
Epstein’s death in 2019, by suicide while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, didn’t halt the release of these documents, which reiterate much of what was already known about his elite social circles. However, they do reveal additional details about the extensive abuse network he established over three decades, impacting numerous teenage girls and young women.
Among the unveiled documents was a deposition excerpt from a high school girl who recounted her traumatic first encounter with Epstein. She described being unexpectedly assaulted and struggling over the years to forget the sexual abuse.
This victim, who remains anonymous, mentioned that a classmate had initially introduced her to Epstein. She later found out that girls who brought others to Epstein received financial incentives. She admitted to bringing classmates to Epstein’s residence, though unaware of their experiences there, as she often engaged in other activities like swimming or resting during those visits.
Other documents focused on legal disputes surrounding Giuffre’s lawsuit, including allegations of a British tabloid reporter influencing Giuffre’s claims, a point contested by Maxwell’s lawyers.
The documents also mention notable figures like former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, singer Michael Jackson, and magician David Copperfield, who were part of Epstein’s circle but not accused of misconduct. Additionally, they revisit claims involving Britain’s Prince Andrew, who settled a lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 over alleged sexual encounters when she was 17.
With thousands of documents from Giuffre’s lawsuit against Maxwell already public, U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska recently ordered the unsealing of previously redacted sections, as these names were already public knowledge through media coverage and other legal proceedings.
Clinton and Trump have both distanced themselves from Epstein, with Clinton denying any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and Trump acknowledging a past fallout with him.
The documents also reference Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent and Epstein associate who committed suicide in a Paris jail in 2022 while facing trial for raping underage girls. Giuffre was among his accusers. In a separate legal action, Brunel’s estate was recently sued in California by a woman claiming sexual assault by him and others while working as a model in New York.
Further document releases are expected on Friday and Monday, potentially providing more insight into this extensive case of sexual abuse and exploitation.
(With inputs from agencies)
