The newly released files related to the crimes of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein have caused a stir in the media and among the public, which was largely expected, as the case has been under intense scrutiny since Epstein was first arrested and convicted.
Jeffrey Epstein took his own life while in federal custody in August 2019. He was found hanging in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre.
Over the years, the public speculated that sex offender Epstein could be actually executed due to his purported “client list” that allegedly contained the names of those using his services, among which a number of celebrities, politicians, and other highly-influential individuals. The FBI claimed they haven’t been aware of such a list that many believe Epstein used in order to blackmail his clients.
While initial releases of the Epstein files occurred at the end of last year, the Justice Department released over 3 million additional documents related to the case in January, 2026.
This time, the DOJ handed a list to the Congress in which every name that appeared in the Epstein files has been listed. They, however, stated firmly that the mention of any of the names doesn’t necessarily imply any relations to Epstein’s crimes or any form of wrongdoing.
The names are mentioned in the files in a “wide variety of contexts,” according to Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy Todd Blanche. In a letter accompanying the release, Bondi wrote that “no records were withheld or redacted because they might cause embarrassment, damage reputation, or be politically sensitive, regardless of whether the person was a government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.” The files were broken down into nine categories and, according to the Department of Justice, represent the “complete release of records” in the case.
While some of the people on the list have had widely reported connections to Epstein, such as the likes of Prince Andrew, who was recently arrested on the grounds that he was sharing confidential information with his friend Epstein, many people on the list have no known record of ever meeting or interacting with the disgraced sex offender.
“To have Janis Joplin, who died when Epstein was 17, in the same list as Larry Nassar, who went to prison for the sexual abuse of hundreds of young women and child pornography, with no clarification of how either was mentioned in the files is absurd,” Rep. Ro Khanna wrote on X.
Although the Department of Justice has made it clear that the fact that people’s names appear in the documents does not mean that they are guilty, the fact that so many people’s names appear on the list has led to a great deal of chatter.
These people include Sarah Ferguson, who appears in the documents numerous times in relation to social gatherings and travel arrangements with Epstein. It appears that she had a very close relationship with him, as evidenced by emails in which she called him her “pillar,” and that she and Epstein stayed in contact even while he was serving time for sex crimes.
According to the Daily Mail, Ferguson has almost completely stayed out of the public eye, spending over a month at the Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich. The discreet and exclusive facility comes with a price tag of around $17,500 per night and provides 24/7 medical attention and privacy, with packages for high-end clients costing over $120,000 per week.
Six companies associated with Ferguson are now expected to be closed down, according to CNN, in light of the release of the documents.
Other prominent women from politics, philanthropy, and entertainment are also mentioned in the files. Melinda Gates is mentioned in the context of charitable work. Hollywood and media personalities are mostly mentioned in the context of events and correspondence. Monica Lewinsky, whose name has been synonymous with one of the most infamous scandals of the late 20th century, is briefly mentioned. Former actress Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, is mentioned in relation to events and guest lists from her acting days, as is #MeToo advocate Alyssa Milano.
No wrongdoing is implied in these mentions.
Some of the notable female celebrities mentioned in the Epstein files are:
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Ashley Biden
- Chelsea Clinton
- Ashley Massaro
- Diana, Princess of Wales
- Ghislaine Maxwell
- Gloria Allred
- Hillary Clinton
- Ivanka Trump
- Jill Biden
- Kamala Harris
- Lady Victoria Hervey
- Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway
- Ariane de Rothschild
- Melania Trump
- Michelle Obama
- Nancy Pelosi
- Nikki Haley
- Sarah Ferguson
- Theresa May
- Zoe Lofgren
- Naomi Campbell
- Annabelle Neilson
- Elisa New
- Stacey Plaskett
- Penny Pritzker
- Princess Sofia, Duchess of Värmland
This scandal remains one of the most politically charged episodes in recent American history. Survivors continue to seek justice, while the public demands answers about how Epstein was able to operate as he did.
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