WASHINGTON, D.C. — Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network gathered on Capitol Hill this week. They demanded full transparency and accountability after Congress released tens of thousands of pages of related documents.
Survivors Push for Transparency
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna joined survivors at the press conference. Together, they announced a victim-led list of alleged abusers and urged Congress to release all investigative files.
Lisa Phillips, who spoke publicly, stressed that many survivors were abused by Epstein’s powerful circle.
“We know the names. Many of us were abused by them,” Phillips said. “Epstein was not just a serial predator. He was an international human trafficker. Many around him knew this, many participated, and many profited — and yet he was protected.”
Phillips also noted that Epstein exploited immigration loopholes. She asked why he was allowed to sponsor visas for young models, which he then used to silence and control them.
“Transparency is justice,” she added. “Release the files. End the secrecy. No one — no billionaires, no politicians, no world leaders — is above the law.”
Bipartisan Urgency
The effort already has 134 signatures on a discharge petition. That step could force a House vote on releasing the files, even though the White House has labeled the push a “hostile act.”
Survivors insisted that politics should not block justice.
“This is not a partisan issue,” said Liz Stein. “This is a crime. The criminals must be held accountable. Disbelieving survivors creates a culture of silence. There is strength in numbers, and our courage is contagious.”
Testimonies From Victims
Several survivors shared their personal experiences:
- Marina Lacerda said she worked for Epstein from ages 14 to 17, until he told her she was “too old.”
- Annie Farmer, now 46, recalled being taken to Epstein’s ranch in New Mexico at age 16. She said her sister reported the abuse, but no one acted.
- Jess Michaels said Epstein raped her in 1991. For years, she believed she was the only victim.
Calls for More Files
On Tuesday night, Congress released 33,000 pages of documents and several videos connected to Epstein. Survivors argue most of that material was already public. They insist that critical evidence remains hidden.
Six years after Epstein’s death in a federal jail cell, survivors continue to demand the truth. They say the time for secrecy has passed, and they vow to expose everyone who enabled his crimes.
