WASHINGTON (BN24) — Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse stood on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, demanding the release of more government files and revealing plans to compile a confidential list of the financier’s associates whom they accuse of being complicit in his crimes.
Lisa Phillips, one of nine women who spoke during the two-hour news conference, said the list would be created privately by survivors. “We will confidentially compile the names we all know were regularly in the Epstein world,” she said. “It will be done by survivors, and for survivors.” Phillips urged the Justice Department to release its full trove of documents, saying many victims feared retaliation if they identified associates themselves.
The press event, organized by lawmakers seeking further disclosure from the Epstein investigation, drew emotional testimony. Marina Lacerda, speaking publicly for the first time, said she was 14 when she began working for Epstein. “I was one of dozens of girls I personally know who were forced into Jeffrey’s mansion in New York City when we were just kids,” she said. Her voice broke as she recalled being paid $300 for what was described as a massage but quickly became sexual abuse.
Other survivors said the secrecy surrounding Epstein’s powerful network perpetuated their trauma. Annie Farmer, who said she was taken to New Mexico at age 16 to spend a weekend with Epstein, questioned why her report of abuse was ignored. “We still do not know why that report wasn’t properly investigated, or why Epstein and his associates were allowed to harm hundreds, if not thousands, of other girls and young women,” she said.
Liz Stein, who has sued Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, told reporters she attended the rally to “humanize survivors,” adding, “This is a crime of sex trafficking. This isn’t a political issue, but it’s being politicized because of the people involved.”
Some survivors addressed Epstein’s ties to high-profile figures. Chauntae Davies said Epstein often bragged about his friendship with President Donald Trump, keeping a framed picture of the two of them on his desk. Trump told reporters Wednesday that the ongoing focus on Epstein files was “a Democrat hoax that never ends” and insisted that “enough” documents had already been released. He said the controversy was meant to distract from his record in office.
A day earlier, the House Oversight Committee released 33,000 pages of files and several videos, most of which were already public. Democrats on the panel said 97% of the documents offered nothing new. “There is no mention of any client list or anything that improves transparency or justice for victims,” said Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee’s top Democrat.
Lawmakers from both parties have pressed for full disclosure. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., are gathering signatures to force a vote that would compel the Justice Department to release all documents related to Epstein. “It’s shameful this has been called a hoax,” Massie said. “There are real victims to this criminal enterprise, and the perpetrators are being protected because they are rich and powerful.”
The White House and Republican congressional leaders oppose the move, arguing a full release could unfairly expose innocent individuals. But survivors insist continued secrecy allows those tied to Epstein’s abuse to evade accountability.
