New York – a New York judge commenced the process of revealing the identities of individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein, the US financier who took his own life in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex crimes. Among those disclosed in nearly 1,000 pages of depositions and statements were former US presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, neither accused of wrongdoing in the case.
This revelation is part of a defamation proceeding involving Ghislaine Maxwell, sentenced to 20 years in 2022, and the plaintiff, Virginia Giuffre. The list of about 150 people includes previously unidentified Epstein associates, known as John or Jane Does, named in a lawsuit against Maxwell but not implicated in Epstein’s crimes.
Last month, a judge ordered the disclosure of 180 cases – under pseudonyms – within 14 days. Some individuals, including “Doe 107,” expressed concerns about potential victimization in their home country, requesting time to submit grounds for maintaining sealed identities.
Maxwell and Epstein, once a couple, later became collaborators and accomplices in sex crimes for nearly three decades. Epstein’s suicide in 2019 halted his prosecution on sex trafficking charges. The anticipated release of names from court documents has reignited speculation surrounding Epstein’s associates, with baseless allegations circulating on various platforms, including comedian Jimmy Kimmel and actor Tom Hanks being mentioned.
By AFP
