Epstein Survivors Outraged as Redacted Files Spark Cover-Up Fears and Renew Calls for Justice

Epstein Survivors Express Anger and Disappointment Over Redacted File Release

Several survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have spoken out, saying the partial release of long-awaited government files has left them feeling betrayed, angry, and deeply disappointed.

Thousands of documents connected to Epstein — the disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges — were made public late Friday. However, only a limited portion of the files has been released so far, with large sections heavily redacted, triggering outrage among victims.

“A Slap in the Face,” Says Survivor

Marina Lacerda, a Brazilian-born survivor who says she was abused by Epstein as a teenager, described the release as “devastating” and lacking transparency.

“We were hopeful before the documents came out,” she told Sky News. “But when we saw them, we were shocked. There is nothing transparent about this release. It feels like a slap in our faces.”

Ms Lacerda said she met Epstein at age 14 and that the abuse continued until she was 17, when he abruptly cut ties with her.

“He told me I was too old and no longer fun for him,” she said. “That’s when he discarded me.”

Hundreds of Victims Still Hidden

According to the US Department of Justice, the released files shield the identities of approximately 1,200 victims and their families. Survivors argue the true number may be even higher.

“Over a thousand victims is just what authorities have documented,” Ms Lacerda said. “There could be many more.”

“No Way This Isn’t a Cover-Up”

Ashley Rubright, who says Epstein abused her starting at age 15 in Palm Beach, voiced strong suspicions of a cover-up.

“These crimes were known about for years,” she said. “There’s no way this isn’t a cover-up. I just hope no one involved escapes accountability.”

She added that the extensive redactions go far beyond protecting victim identities.

“Entire pages are blacked out. That doesn’t feel like justice,” she said. “We’ve been ignored since day one.”

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Survivor Recounts Hotel Room Assault

Another survivor, Alicia Arden, described a disturbing encounter with Epstein during a supposed audition in California in 1997, when she was 25.

She said Epstein attempted to undress her, touched her without consent, and demanded to “man-handle” her.

“I was terrified. I started crying and told him I needed to leave,” she said. “He even offered me money, which I refused.”

Ms Arden later filed a police report in Santa Monica but said authorities were dismissive and unsupportive. Her report later appeared in earlier Epstein document releases — heavily redacted.

“Epstein Was a Monster”

Speaking about Epstein today, Ms Arden said the trauma still haunts her.

“He was a monster,” she said. “I shake even talking about him. If authorities had taken action back then, so many girls could have been saved.”

She believes justice has still not been served.

“I want all the files released. Anyone who trafficked or abused these girls should be arrested and held accountable — no matter who they are.”

Mixed Emotions Among Survivors

Not all reactions were negative. Maria Farmer, one of the earliest whistleblowers who reported Epstein to the FBI in 1996, said the release brought her a sense of validation.

“I feel redeemed,” she said through her lawyers. “This is one of the most meaningful days of my life — but I also mourn for the victims the system failed.”

Similarly, Dani Bensky, who says she was abused by Epstein at age 17, said the release offered partial validation.

“It proves we weren’t lying,” she said. “But there’s still so much missing.”

Lawyers Say Law Has Been Violated

High-profile attorney Gloria Allred criticized the Department of Justice for failing to release all documents as legally required.

“The law did not allow for delays or phased releases,” she said. “This is another failure by the justice system to support survivors.”

While Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated more files could be released before the end of the year, Allred dismissed the promise.

“This isn’t over,” she said. “It won’t be over until there is full truth and transparency for the survivors.”