In a trial involving Maxwell, an accomplice of sex offender Epstein, documents were published in which the names of celebrities appear. But that doesn't mean they were part of Epstein's network.
In the scandal surrounding sexual violence perpetrated by American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, a court published the real names of around 170 people who were previously treated, for the most part, anonymously. They were named in a civil dispute between American Virginia Giuffre and Epstein's longtime partner Ghislaine Maxwell.
The more than 900 pages of court documents contain, among other things, the previously known names of former US President Bill Clinton and British Prince Andrew, who were once considered Epstein confidants.
A mention in court documents does not mean the person was an active part of Epstein's criminal network. It only proves that their respective names were used in the civil trial against Epstein's accomplice, Maxwell. Some people on the list are relatives of victims of sexual violence committed by Epstein.
Clinton and Prince Andrew mentioned by name
According to media reports, Clinton, previously referred to at trial as “John Doe 36,” did not object to the use of his name. He is said to have met Epstein several times and also used his private jet.
Prince Andrew's name appears just as often. Andrew managed to avoid a civil lawsuit related to Epstein's network in 2022. Despite US plaintiff Virginia Giuffre's allegations against him, he never publicly admitted to having sex with the then minor.
Decades of sex crimes at Epstein's estate
Epstein was arrested in July 2019. The businessman, who had connections in the highest circles, allegedly committed sexual violence against numerous girls, including underage girls, and also introduced those affected to other men. About a month after his arrest, Epstein was found dead in his cell at age 66. According to official information, he committed suicide.
Epstein was found dead in his cell at New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center in August 2019.
For decades, the sex crimes allegedly occurred at Epstein's estate in New York, Florida, Santa Fe and the Virgin Islands. A previous accusation against Epstein resulted in a very advantageous deal for the businessman, which made him a symbol of a social elite that can get away with crime.
Also mentioning Trump, Hawking and Jackson
Epstein's celebrity relationships and death have given rise to numerous rumors and conspiracy theories. The publication of the documents now released also generated a lot of speculation. Former President Donald Trump is also mentioned in the present writings – but only in the context of the interrogation of a witness who claimed to have never had sexual contact with Trump.
However, the names of musician Michael Jackson and astrophysicist Stephen Hawking seem new. At least the celebrities' unique presence at one of Epstein's events appears to derive from them.
Antje Passenheim, ARD New York, tagesschau, January 4, 2024 7:41 am