The recent release of hundreds of thousands of documents by the United States Department of Justice on the Jeffrey Epstein case has brought global attention back to the vast network of social connections of the convicted sex offender financier, who died in prison in 2019. Although the material had been expected for years, many of the documents have been published with numerous redactions, raising questions about the real transparency of the process and causing political controversy.
Famous names in documents and photographs
The leaked material includes photographs and references to world-famous figures, from former US President Bill Clinton to famous artists such as Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson. The images show their presence in Epstein's social circle, but do not constitute criminal charges against them.
One of the photos, released by the Justice Department on December 19, 2025, shows Bill Clinton accompanied by Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, at an unspecified location. In other images, Clinton is seen swimming in a pool or relaxing in a spa setting. He was photographed several times with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s, before the financier was publicly charged.
Clinton has never been accused by Epstein's victims and has said he had no knowledge of his crimes. His spokesman, Angel Ureña, has criticized the White House, saying the focus on Clinton's connections is intended to distract from other political relationships with Epstein. According to him, there is a difference between those who cut off contact before the crimes became public and those who continued the relationship afterwards.
Prince Andrew and the controversy
Another photo included in the dossier appears to show Britain's Prince Andrew lying on the lap of five girls, whose faces are censored. In the background is Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate who has been convicted for her role in the affair. Epstein himself does not appear in the photo.
Prince Andrew has been the subject of investigations for years over his friendship with Epstein, but he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that he never saw or suspected any illegal behavior.
Epstein with Michael Jackson and other figures
In one of the newly released images, Jeffrey Epstein is seen standing next to Michael Jackson. Jackson is wearing formal attire, while Epstein is seen in a sportswear outfit. The photo highlights the financier's extensive connections to the worlds of entertainment, politics and business.
Another image shows Mick Jagger in a photo with Bill Clinton and a woman with a darkened face, dressed in evening wear. There are also photos of Clinton, Jackson and Diana Ross posing together, while many other faces have been censored.
Early voice of accusations: Maria Farmer
The files also include testimony from Maria Farmer, one of the first people to denounce Epstein. She worked for him and in 1996 reported to the FBI that he had taken her personal materials and made inappropriate requests regarding the photography of underage girls. Her name is redacted in the documents, but Farmer has publicly confirmed that the story is hers./Corriere della Sera
