Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s long-standing sexual abuse have reported receiving death threats, warning that these threats are likely to intensify as the release of Justice Department files on the late convicted paedophile approaches.
In a statement titled “What we’re bracing for”, published on Thursday, November 19, 2025, Epstein’s survivors called for accountability and legal support to confront their abusers and secure justice. “Many of us have already received death threats and other threats of harm. We are bracing for these to escalate,” the statement said, adding, “We ask every federal and state law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over these threats to investigate them and ensure our protection.”
The survivors also highlighted attempts to blame them for their own or each other’s abuse. In response, several have ramped up advocacy efforts, publicly sharing their stories to pressure the U.S. government into releasing the Justice Department’s files on Epstein.
The issue has dominated the national conversation, particularly after President Donald Trump reversed his opposition and signed legislation requiring the release of all Epstein-related files. The bill had passed the Senate unanimously the day before and gives the Justice Department 30 days to make the documents public. The files are expected to reveal potential links to prominent figures in politics, entertainment, and business.
“Years ago, Epstein got away with abusing us by portraying us as flawed and bad girls,” the survivors said in their statement, insisting on full transparency. “We cannot let his enablers use this tactic to escape accountability now.” The appeal was signed by 18 named survivors and 10 Jane Does, urging Congress and the public to ensure that all documents, not just select materials, are released.
For survivor Marina Lacerda, the upcoming release represents an important step toward understanding the trauma she endured. Abused at 14 in Epstein’s New York mansion, she struggles to remember much of the experience and hopes the files will shed light on that dark period of her life. “I feel that the government and the FBI know more than I do, and that scares me, because it’s my life, it’s my past,” she told The Associated Press.
Epstein, who was awaiting trial in 2019, was found dead in his New York jail cell. He had previously been convicted in 2008 of procuring a minor for prostitution. Among his survivors, Virginia Giuffre’s case drew significant attention; before her death by suicide in April, she reportedly faced intimidation and threats after accusing Epstein and the disgraced former UK royal Prince Andrew of sexual abuse.
