New York judge ynseals names tied to Jeffrey Epstein
A New York judge initiated the unsealing of identities linked to the notorious financier Jeffrey Epstein on Wednesday.
Among those disclosed in the nearly 1,000 pages of depositions and statements were former US Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Importantly, neither has faced accusations of wrongdoing in connection to Epstein’s sex crimes, which led to his suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial.
The extensive list of approximately 150 individuals, previously identified as John or Jane Does in a lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former mistress, contains no allegations of complicity in Epstein’s crimes.
The unsealing is part of a defamation proceeding involving Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022, and Virginia Giuffre, a plaintiff against the duo.
Last month, a judge ordered the disclosure of 180 cases, listed under pseudonyms, within 14 days. Some individuals, like “Doe 107,” objected, expressing concerns about potential victimization in their home country. Lawyers for this individual argued for the continued sealing of their name and requested additional time to submit grounds for their case.
Giuffre’s defamation claim against Maxwell dates back to 2016 and was settled the following year.
The Miami Herald subsequently took legal action to access the file, leading to the investigation of the Epstein network.
Epstein and Maxwell, former partners turned collaborators, were implicated in sex crimes for nearly three decades. Epstein’s suicide in 2019 interrupted his prosecution for alleged sex trafficking.
The release of names from court documents has reignited speculation, with fabricated lists and doctored photos circulating in conspiratorial internet circles for years.
The anticipated revelation prompted comedian Jimmy Kimmel to threaten legal action against Aaron Rodgers, who suggested Kimmel could be on the list.
Baseless allegations also extended to platforms like X, where actor Tom Hanks was drawn into the speculative frenzy.
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