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| Harvey Weinstein (left) and Jeffrey Epstein |
Over 130 additional court files were unsealed in a lawsuit involving Jeffrey Epstein, shedding light on the late financier's sexual abuse of underage girls and his interactions with celebrities. The documents, related to a defamation lawsuit filed by Epstein's victim Virginia Giuffre in 2015 against Ghislaine Maxwell, include testimonies, phone messages, and legal memos.
Prince Andrew's Connection
The records feature a 2009 deposition by a former housekeeper, Juan Alessi, who revealed Prince Andrew's extensive stays at Epstein's Palm Beach mansion, receiving daily massages. Alessi also mentioned other celebrities, including Donald Trump, visiting Epstein's home.
Phone Records and Associations
Unsealed phone messages from 2004 include a call from Harvey Weinstein, part of a media investment group with Epstein. The messages provide a glimpse into Epstein's associations with the rich and powerful, such as former President Bill Clinton and actor Kevin Spacey.
Recruiting Young Girls
Tony Figueroa, a driver for Epstein, testified about efforts to recruit girls during his 2016 deposition. He stated that Epstein paid $200 for every girl brought in, and Maxwell would occasionally call him, requesting girls.
Disturbing Requests
Johanna Sjoberg, an Epstein employee, testified that Epstein asked her for sexualized massages and expressed a desire for her to be the mother of his child. Maxwell denied the claim in her deposition, calling it "completely rubbish."
Public Relations Disaster
An email from Maxwell's attorney, Philip Barden, dated January 11, 2015, highlights the legal storm they faced. Barden stressed the need for a strong public response to Giuffre's claims, warning that silence would be "reputational suicide."
The unsealed documents do not reveal blockbuster revelations but offer a deeper understanding of Epstein's world and his connections. The lawsuit involving Giuffre and Maxwell was settled in 2017. Maxwell, later prosecuted, is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Prince Andrew faced public criticism and a lawsuit from Giuffre, settled in 2022. The legal proceedings against Epstein and Maxwell unfolded amidst allegations of sexual abuse, recruiting young girls, and associations with prominent figures. The records provide a chilling glimpse into the disturbing actions and relationships of Epstein, contributing to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding this notorious case.