The US Department of Justice has released thousands of documents and photographs related to its investigation into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Published on Friday under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed by Congress following months of political pressure, the files include unclassified records connected to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Large portions of the documents remain heavily redacted.
Jeffrey Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. According to Reuters, former President Donald Trump faced pressure from both political parties to approve the release of the documents. Here is a list of public figures who have been named or shown in the released documents so far.
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Former President Bill Clinton
The former US president appears in several photographs, including ones showing him in a swimming pool and hot tub. Clinton has denied any wrongdoing, with a spokesperson in 2019 stating that he knew “nothing about the terrible crimes” committed by Epstein.
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Michael Jackson
The singer appears in photographs with Jeffrey Epstein and in another image alongside Bill Clinton and Diana Ross. There are no allegations of wrongdoing against Jackson in connection with the Epstein case.
Mick Jagger
The musician and lead singer of the Rolling Stones appears in photographs with Bill Clinton. The BBC has reached out to Jagger’s representatives for comment.
Ghislaine Maxwell
In a redacted photo released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is seen lying across several people’s laps while Ghislaine Maxwell stands nearby.
Kevin Spacey
The actor appears in photographs with Bill Clinton and Ghislaine Maxwell. Spacey has previously advocated for the full release of Epstein’s files.
Sarah Ferguson
The former Duchess of York appears in one of the released photographs.
Richard Branson
One photo shows Sir Richard Branson, co-founder of the Virgin Group, standing next to Epstein, with two women—whose identities are redacted—visible in the background.
Walter Cronkite
The US broadcast journalist appears in photographs seated with Jeffrey Epstein.
The Guardian reports that many of the images are undated and released without context. Some documents remain withheld to protect victims, avoid interfering with ongoing investigations, or prevent the release of abusive material. Experts warn that, despite the large volume of documents, they may not provide a complete view of Epstein’s network.