Topics: Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Michael Jackson, Prince Andrew
The latest batch of files released relating to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has revealed a number of photographs with high-profile names, including Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, and Mick Jagger.
The images were part of a release by the Department of Justice of around 300,000 files that were dropped at around 4pm EST ahead of a federal law requiring them to be made public.
Originally, the entirety of the files was due to be released, but the DOJ admitted just hours before the files were made public that they wouldn’t be able to meet this deadline in full.
Instead, they stated they would be releasing the documents in batches.
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However, among the documents made public, several photographs have already piqued public interest in the US and abroad.
Although the images have sparked intrigue, being identified in the files does not suggest any wrongdoing, and many of those identified have previously denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
These included several images of former President Bill Clinton, including one in which he was swimming with Epstein’s girlfriend and associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as an unusual portrait painting in which he was wearing a dress.
In addition, further images released showed Epstein and Maxwell with a number of other high-profile names, including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, Chris Tucker, the former Prince Andrew, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
One image even featured Maxwell posing outside 10 Downing Street, the formal address of the British Prime Minister.
It is unclear when or where these photos were taken, or the context surrounding them. It is also unknown whether the extent of association Epstein had with certain figures or whether he had attended any of these events.
According to the BBC, previously released photos from the disgraced financier's estate include images he didn't personally take, nor was he present at the events depicted.
Clinton previously addressed his acquaintance with Epstein in his 2024 memoir, Citizen: My Life After The White House, as he wrote: "The bottom line is, even though it allowed me to visit the work of my foundation, travelling on Epstein's plane was not worth the years of questioning afterward. I wish I had never met him."
A spokesperson for Clinton has since responded to the release of the images, writing: "They can release as many grainy 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this isn't about Bill Clinton. Never has, never will be.
"There are two types of people here. The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships with him after.
"We're in the first. No amount of stalling by people in the second group will change that. Everyone, especially MAGA, expects answers, not scapegoats."
As well as the images of Epstein’s showbiz connections, the files also unearthed several heavily redacted files, including a ‘masseuse list’, in which all 254 entries have been blacked out.
A 119-page grand jury document was also redacted in full, with no explanation provided.
There are also handwritten notes, flight logs, and a contact book, as well as a scrapbook featuring pictures of Epstein and redacted pictures of women with the caption: ”Is my cover blown?”
Additionally, on Friday, the US deputy attorney general, Todd Blanche, revealed that more than 1,200 victims and their families were identified during a review of the records, which have been redacted to protect their identities.
