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Michael Jackson appears in newly released Epstein files
The United States Department of Justice has released thousands of files linked to convicted sex offender and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, following the passage of a law compelling the Trump administration to make the documents public.
The initial disclosure, published on Friday, forms part of a wider release that the Justice Department said would continue over the coming weeks. The material, however, remains heavily redacted, prompting renewed criticism from lawmakers, survivors and transparency advocates.
Among the newly released documents are photographs of evidence collected by the FBI during raids on Epstein’s properties in Florida, New York and the US Virgin Islands. The images show boxes, envelopes, hard drives, CDs and computers seized during the investigation. One photograph appears to show a dog stuffed inside a box, consistent with previous reports that Epstein kept a taxidermied poodle.
The files also include grand jury materials authorised for release by federal judges. However, 119 pages of these records were published entirely blacked out, raising questions about the extent of compliance with the disclosure law.
One of the most widely circulated images shows former US President Bill Clinton in a hot tub beside an individual whose face is redacted. A Justice Department spokesperson said the redaction was applied to protect a victim of Epstein’s abuse. Clinton has never been charged with, or accused by law enforcement of, wrongdoing related to Epstein. His representatives have reiterated that he severed ties with Epstein before the financier’s crimes became public.
Witness statements included in the files offer disturbing new detail. In a 2019 interview, a witness told investigators that Epstein sought underage girls and insisted on verifying their ages. The notes describe his preference for young girls and include allegations of sexual abuse. The witness became visibly distressed during the interview and was unable to continue.
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The documents also contain photographs showing Epstein with a number of prominent figures, including late broadcaster Walter Cronkite and pop star Michael Jackson. Both men have previously appeared in flight records linked to Epstein. Jackson, who died in 2009, was acquitted of child abuse charges in an unrelated case in 2005.
Another significant disclosure has been described as vindication for Epstein survivor Maria Farmer. An FBI document dated 1996 confirms that a professional artist reported Epstein to authorities over alleged child pornography and threats. Farmer’s lawyer said the file proves that law enforcement had early warning signs years before Epstein was prosecuted.
The Justice Department acknowledged inconsistencies in redactions across the released files, citing the scale and speed of the review process. Officials said both human and technical errors may have occurred.
While the release has revealed new information, critics argue it falls far short of full transparency. Survivors and lawmakers continue to press for the complete disclosure of all unclassified material, saying the partial release prolongs unanswered questions about how Epstein evaded justice for so long.
For victims, the documents represent both validation and renewed frustration. As one survivor said, the files confirm that authorities knew more than they acted on, leaving many still waiting for long delayed accountability.
