After months of public pressure, the Department of Justice finally released the documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files, however, were released with heavy redactions on the government’s website, and represent only a partial release — not the files in full. While the redacted files didn’t reveal any findings about Donald Trump’s association with Epstein, several other high-profile figures were mentioned in the documents.
Who were the high-profile figures mentioned in the Epstein files?
The Epstein files released on Friday showed photos of the convicted sex offender associating with several celebrities. The public figures seen in the documents included entertainers Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker and Diana Ross, The Guardian reported. Former President Bill Clinton was also seen in several photos. One photo showed Clinton relaxing in a swimming pool along with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s accomplice. Other prominent figures seen in the photos included entrepreneur Richard Branson and former British royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
What is the public reaction to the DOJ’s release of the Epstein files?
The DOJ is facing wide backlash for releasing a heavily redacted version of the Epstein files. Congressional Democrats expressed their frustration with the release, saying the Trump administration defied the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which demands the DOJ release all “unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to the case.
“We will pursue every option to make sure the truth comes out,” Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said in a statement, per the Guardian.
How can the public access the Epstein documents?
Although many of the pages are redacted, the public can still view the files on the DOJ’s website. The files are published under the categories of Court Records and DOJ Disclosures. Additionally, the documents are divided under the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405), the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, The Hill reported.
Amid the backlash, the DOJ stated that “all reasonable efforts have been made to review and redact personal information pertaining to victims, other private individuals, and protect sensitive materials from disclosure.”