Epstein Victims Seek Accountability from Powerful Figures
In Washington, D.C., a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell held a press conference on Capitol Hill, announcing plans to compile a list of affluent individuals allegedly involved in their sex trafficking activities. Lisa Phillips, a model who encountered Epstein in the early 2000s, stated that she and other survivors are rallying to identify those who, according to Phillips, abused them.
“We know the names,” Phillips asserted to reporters and supporters. “Many of us have been abused by them.” She elaborated that the list involves influential figures familiar within Epstein’s circle, emphasizing that this effort is solely for the survivors, excluding any outside parties.
Alongside her, dozens of other survivors and family members gathered at the Capitol to advocate for the release of all records held by the federal government related to Epstein’s case. This follows his death in a Manhattan prison on August 10, 2019, which has raised multiple questions about the circumstances surrounding it.
A petition, spearheaded by Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), is currently short of the 218 votes required for passage. As of Wednesday morning, it still had two votes remaining. All 212 Democratic members are anticipated to support the petition, alongside some Republicans.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, declared her intent to disclose the names of abusers from the House floor, pledging further transparency. Prior to the press conference, Phillips participated in a rally organized by Virginia Giuffre’s family, joined by others such as Annie Farmer, sister of another Epstein accuser, and Liz Stein.
Giuffre tragically took her own life in April; nonetheless, her sister reported that allegations of abuse by Epstein were brought to the NYPD and FBI as early as 1996. Several victims, including Wendy Avis and Haley Robson, shared their experiences, with Robson noting how she felt isolated thinking she was the only victim for many years.
A memo released by the Justice Department and FBI indicates that there are over 1,000 victims associated with Epstein’s sex trafficking network. One victim who spoke out during the conference was Marina Lacerda, a Brazilian who was reportedly groomed by Epstein at a young age.
Another victim, Anoska de Georgeou from England, revealed that threats from Epstein and Maxwell had silenced her for years regarding their alleged misconduct. Several attendees recalled Epstein’s friendships with high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, highlighting a network of connections that many believe facilitated his heinous activities.
Amidst this, Phillips expressed her frustration, stating that it’s unacceptable for Epstein to have operated with such impunity for so long. She questioned how he managed to gain the ability to sponsor visas for young models, manipulating their circumstances for his own gain. “He was more than just a serial predator; he was an international human trafficker,” she concluded, insisting that many around him were aware of his wrongdoing yet chose to benefit from it.
Finally, Phillips hinted at the existence of high-profile names in the files that continue to be protected out of fear of damaging the reputations of powerful individuals.
