WASHINGTON, D.C. — Survivors of serial sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein held a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to share their testimonies and demand that lawmakers release all government files related to the Epstein investigation.
Calls for full disclosure have grown, particularly among former President Donald Trump’s base. Trump campaigned on releasing the files but has referred to the issue as “a distraction” and “a Democratic hoax” since taking office.
The women were joined by members of Congress who have introduced a rare bipartisan bill to make the public release of the Epstein investigation files mandatory.
Voices of the Survivors
Marina Lasserta, Minor Victim One in the 2019 federal indictment against Epstein in New York, shared: “I was one of dozens of girls forced into Jeffrey Epstein’s mansion in New York as a minor. Today is the first time I’ve spoken publicly about what happened to me. I feel heard, and for the first time, I feel I matter.”
Marina recounted that from ages 14 to 17, she worked for Epstein instead of attending school. “I hoped for a real job, but it never came. I had no way out until he said I was too old to continue,” she said.
Haley Robson, a 16-year-old high school student, described being recruited to give massages to Epstein. When she resisted, she was coerced into bringing other girls. Haley explained that when she eventually informed police, she was treated like a criminal and publicly labeled a co-conspirator, leading to ongoing threats and harassment.
Shante Davies, another survivor, spoke of decades of trauma and betrayal at the hands of Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, their enablers, and a government that long refused to act. “Epstein surrounded himself with some of the most powerful leaders in the U.S. and the world. He abused countless people while most looked the other way,” Shante said.
Demand for Transparency and Government Accountability
Survivors stressed that government-held files contain the truth about Epstein – who he knew, who protected him, and how he was allowed to operate for so long without consequence. “Secrecy is not protection; it is complicity. As long as the truth is buried, justice remains out of reach,” said Shante.
They called on President Trump and Congress: “We cannot heal without justice. We cannot protect the future if we refuse to confront the past.”
Epstein Files Transparency Act
The press conference highlighted the Epstein Files Transparency Act, introduced by Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna. The bill would mandate the release of all government files related to Epstein, ensuring accountability, transparency, and prevention of future abuse by powerful individuals.
Support from Anti-Trafficking Organizations
The survivors were supported by World Without Exploitation, the largest anti-trafficking coalition in the U.S., which helped organize the event. Lauren Hirs, the organization’s national director, emphasized the importance of the bill in protecting future generations from predators.
Conclusion
Wednesday’s press conference demonstrated the courage of Epstein survivors and the power of speaking out. They called for the release of government files, accountability from authorities, and transparency to bring justice for victims and prevent future sexual predators from exploiting power and influence.