Epstein Case Files Publication Sparks Scandal in USA

U.S. Department of Justice. Although the presence of a name or photograph in the files does not imply a criminal accusation, several high-profile figures have appeared in the released images or documents, which has reignited the public debate about the social and political scope of Epstein's network. However, the content is incomplete, and many documents are redacted, which has drawn cross-sector criticism. Additionally, at least 16 files disappeared from the U.S. Department of Justice's public website related to the case, including a photograph featuring President Donald Trump, less than a day after their publication, with no explanation from the government or notice to the public. Among the documents released, an image of former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana with Ghislaine Maxwell emerged, which reignited the debate about her ties to people close to Epstein. Ghislaine Maxwell and Andrés Pastrana. The photo was republished after scrutiny. The Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, stated that the redactions are not linked to protecting political figures like Donald Trump, but rather stem from concerns raised by victims whose identities must be safeguarded, and from the continuous review of sensitive material before its re-publication. The magnitude of the case is largely explained by the number of influential figures from the political, business, and entertainment worlds who have, directly or indirectly, been linked to his circle. In this context, the U.S. government took an unprecedented step by making thousands of case documents public in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed in 2025 that requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disclose material related to investigations into the magnate and his criminal network. After years of opacity surrounding a web of abuse that operated for decades, the first batch of files—which include photographs, interview transcripts, phone records, and court documents—has shed partial light on the network's structure. Although a significant portion of the material remains heavily redacted by the Department to protect victims, the releases incorporate records of both old and recent investigations, as well as previously grand jury transcripts and FBI complaints dating back to the 1990s, which reinforces historical allegations of systemic failures in the judicial handling of the case. Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. Department of Justice. In the first phase of the release, U.S. authorities included thousands of pages with photos and notes. Beyond the gaps and redactions, some documents provide new details about Maxwell's role within the network. The records show how she emotionally manipulated underage victims, using grooming tactics to earn their trust. U.S. Department of Justice. According to official transcripts, Maxwell and Pastrana shared an affinity for aviation, and one record mentions a joint trip to Colombia and another to Cuba, where they would have piloted a Blackhawk helicopter, although Maxwell herself indicated it was unclear if Pastrana traveled on the 'Lolita Express.' After the publication of this photograph, President Gustavo Petro reacted with indignation on his X account, rejecting the fact that Maxwell was wearing a military uniform. Blanche indicated that the removed images will be available again after applying the appropriate redactions. Victims and their representatives have been particularly critical of the partial release, stating that the mass redaction of content and lack of transparency could minimize the scope of the abuse and institutional accountability. Authorities have insisted that these mentions do not constitute evidence of criminal participation, but they do demonstrate the financier's closeness to elites from various fields. In addition to the current U.S. president, notable figures include former President Bill Clinton, singer Michael Jackson, musicians Mick Jagger and Diana Ross, and actors Chris Tucker and Kevin Spacey. U.S. Department of Justice. The release of the documents has also had repercussions in Colombia. And Petro, to explain his public scandals,' Pastrana concluded. Some survivors expressed frustration that key documents remain hidden or incomplete, which, in their view, prevents a comprehensive understanding of the abuse network and its historical judicial failures. The situation has also caused political tensions: Democratic and Republican lawmakers have questioned the law's compliance, and in some cases, are considering actions against the Attorney General for not fully disclosing the files, suggesting the publication strategy was too cautious and could be hindering the accountability the law sought to ensure. Table with framed photographs and seized documents during the Epstein case investigations, including an image of President Trump. 'How does this illustrious right-wing dare to put on our military's uniform on a pedophile,' the head of state said. Following the president's reaction, the former head of state also responded via his X account, stating he is not 'intimidated,' and that it is Petro who 'surrounds himself with rapists.' 'This government is in default of a crime that corresponds to the International Criminal Court.' According to the testimonies, she presented herself as a close figure, almost an 'older sister,' before introducing them into situations of sexual abuse with Epstein or instructing them on how to behave. These documents reveal that psychological manipulation was a key piece of the network's functioning, reinforcing the idea that Maxwell was not a secondary collaborator, but an active figure in the emotional control of victims prior to their exploitation. Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein. Figures such as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Prince Andrew) and Sarah Ferguson, as well as journalist Walter Cronkite, also appear. Clinton with actor Kevin Spacey. (Davidoff Studios Photography / Getty images). By GABRIEL CAVALLO, Rolling Stone Magazine. The Epstein case files, published on December 19, sparked a strong controversy due to the appearance of high-profile names and the level of redaction applied to the released documents. The case surrounding the financier convicted of sex trafficking Jeffrey Epstein is one of the most controversial, if not the most, of the century. U.S. Department of Justice. The materials include images of Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in recruiting minors.