Victims of Jeffrey Epstein have taken to the steps of the US Capitol to share emotional accounts of abuse and to call on lawmakers to release more files related to the convicted sex offender’s investigation. Their demands highlight ongoing frustrations over the perceived lack of transparency and accountability in one of the most high-profile criminal cases involving sex trafficking.
Survivors Speak Out: A Call for Justice and Protection
At a two-hour news conference organized by US lawmakers, nine women who survived Epstein’s abuse recounted harrowing experiences. Lisa Phillips, one of the survivors, revealed that the group is compiling a confidential list of Epstein’s associates believed to be involved in the abuse.
“We will confidentially compile the names we all know were regularly in the Epstein world,” Phillips said. “It will be done by survivors, and for survivors.”
Phillips and other survivors urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all documents from the investigation, emphasizing that many victims fear retaliation or legal action if they publicly name alleged abusers themselves.
A lawyer representing the accusers echoed these concerns, noting that survivors were “scared of being sued or attacked because nobody protected them the first time.”
Personal Stories Highlight the Human Cost
Among those speaking was Marina Lacerda, who worked for Epstein from age 14 to 17. She described how what started as a “dream job” quickly turned into a nightmare of exploitation.
“I was one of dozens of girls that I personally know who were forced into Jeffrey’s mansion… when we were just kids,” Lacerda said, visibly emotional.
Annie Farmer, who was taken to New Mexico at 16 to spend a weekend with Epstein, lamented the failure of authorities to act on early abuse reports.
“We still do not know why that report wasn’t properly investigated, or why Epstein and his associates were allowed to harm hundreds, if not thousands, of other girls and young women,” she said.
Political and Public Reactions
The rally took place amid ongoing political debate. Some lawmakers are pushing for the full release of all files related to Epstein’s case. Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna are gathering support to compel the DOJ to disclose all documents, requiring bipartisan backing to succeed.
Massie condemned attempts to dismiss the case as a “hoax,” stressing the need to protect victims and hold powerful perpetrators accountable.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump dismissed the news conference as a “Democrat hoax” and criticized the continued focus on the files as a distraction from his presidential record.
What Has Been Released So Far?
On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee released 33,000 pages of documents and several videos related to the Epstein investigation. However, Democrats on the committee noted that 97% of these documents were already publicly available, and no new client lists or significant revelations emerged.
The release followed the publication of Ghislaine Maxwell’s DOJ interview transcripts, which shed some light on her relationship with Epstein and social circles but did not implicate Trump in wrongdoing.
Why Does Transparency Matter?
Survivors and advocates argue that full transparency is essential for justice and healing. They fear that without public disclosure, many powerful individuals connected to Epstein’s network may evade accountability.
The White House and Republican congressional leaders oppose releasing all files, citing concerns about exposing innocent people’s identities.
The Road Ahead
The fight for full disclosure continues as survivors demand justice and lawmakers debate the balance between transparency and privacy. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether more information will be made public and how the legacy of Epstein’s crimes will be addressed.