Despite the Justice Department’s pledge of transparency in releasing Jeffrey Epstein files, lawmakers say newly unredacted documents confirm three key figures and reveal the identity of a high-profile recipient of Epstein’s 2009 email stating, “I loved the torture video.”
After pressure from Congress, the DOJ began releasing more from its 3.5 million pages of Epstein-related records. Rep. Thomas Massie alleged the FBI had “improperly redacted” at least six men labeled as potential conspirators in a 2019 document.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the redactions, saying victim names required protection and insisting the DOJ had now unredacted all non-victim names.
Among those confirmed in the updated files:
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Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, is serving a 20-year sentence for recruiting and grooming underage girls.
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Les Wexner, former CEO of Victoria’s Secret, previously cut ties with Epstein and has said he was not a co-conspirator or target of prosecutors.
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Lesley Groff, Epstein’s longtime assistant, has denied knowledge of criminal activity and was reportedly told she would not face prosecution.
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Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent accused of rape, died by suicide in prison in 2022 while awaiting trial.
The newly highlighted email, sent April 25, 2009, referenced a “torture video” and was addressed to a previously redacted recipient, later identified as Emirati businessman Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World. The meaning of the message remains unclear.
Four additional names in the documents are still redacted.