Epstein accusers say they are compiling confidential list of associates, urge DOJ to release files
Nine women testified on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, saying survivors fear retaliation and lack protection if they publicly name alleged associates
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein announced Wednesday that they are compiling a confidential list of people they say were regularly in Epstein’s orbit and called on the U.S. Department of Justice to release more files from the investigation into the convicted sex offender.
Speaking on the steps of the U.S. Capitol during a two-hour news conference organized by lawmakers pressing for greater transparency, nine women gave emotional accounts of sexual abuse. "We will confidentially compile the names we all know were regularly in the Epstein world," said Lisa Phillips. "It will be done by survivors, and for survivors."
The gathering was convened to press for public disclosure of documents and investigative material related to Epstein. Survivors and their legal counsel said many victims have been unwilling to go public with names because they fear retaliation, legal exposure or other attacks. A lawyer for the accusers said the women were scared of being sued or attacked and that they lacked sufficient protection if they publicly identified alleged associates.
Organizers said the confidential list would be compiled by survivors to ensure accuracy and to protect victims who do not want to be publicly identified. They urged the Justice Department to release all documents and information in its possession from the Epstein investigation so that lawmakers, researchers and survivors could evaluate the evidence and alleged networks tied to Epstein.
The news conference continued a broader push by some members of Congress and victim advocates for greater disclosure of case files, court records and any investigative materials that might illuminate who associated with Epstein and whether others enabled or participated in abuse. Advocates have argued that public access to records is necessary to help survivors seek justice and to inform legislative or oversight actions.
Speakers described long-term trauma and recounted alleged incidents of abuse by Epstein. They stressed concern that, without institutional protections, survivors who name suspected associates face threats of litigation and personal reprisal, which they said has deterred many from speaking out. The event drew attention to ongoing questions about how authorities handled Epstein-related investigations and whether further disclosures could reveal previously unexamined ties.
Lawmakers and advocates at the event did not outline a public timetable for the release of documents nor did they present the confidential list. They emphasized that compiling the list was intended as a survivor-led effort to preserve information while minimizing additional harm to victims. The participants reiterated their call for the Justice Department to make its records available so that Congress, courts and the public can better assess the scope of alleged wrongdoing connected to Epstein.