The New York Times has reported that a fund set up to financially compensate victims of sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein has now paid out more than $30 million. The identities of those compensated have been kept confidential though it is thought that as many as 100 people may have been given compensation already.
Jeffrey Epstein for decades ran an underground sex-ring in which hundreds of young girls, including underage girls, were sexually exploited by both Epstein and other powerful individuals. He used his wealth and influence to cover up the wrongdoing and was only ever convicted on a fairly minor charge in 2008. In 2019, following an extensive investigation, Epstein was arrested. He later killed himself while awaiting trial during his stay at a New York prison. Many have speculated that Epstein did not in fact kill himself but that he was in fact murdered to avoid the details of his connections to the rich and powerful becoming public knowledge.
Epstein had a close relationship with Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew himself has been accused by some of Epstein's victims of being involved in the sex-ring. He has since been removed form royal duties by the British royal family. A Netflix documentary 'Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich' has shed light on many of Epstein’s crimes and at long last given his victims a voice.
Jordana Feldman, who runs the compensation fund, told the New York Times that she interviews all the victims as part of the compensation process. She said:
"It gives the victims an opportunity to tell their story, and it gives me an opportunity to get to know them in a way that can’t be fully captured in a paper file. I do see some of the rawness of the emotions. There is very deep, long-lasting impact that the abuse has had on their lives."
Ghislaine Maxwell, who was Epstein’s right-hand woman for years, is currently in prison awaiting trial for her part in the crimes. It is alleged that she helped recruit girls to the scheme and encouraged them to bring in more victims, in effect running a pyramid scheme of sexual abuse. It has also been claimed by some victims that she took part in the sexual assaults and intimidated anyone who stood out of line. She has denied all charges.
Maxwell is being kept under close observation in prison to stop her either taking her own life or being killed. Many of those that used Epstein’s sex-ring fear that Maxwell will name them in a plea deal with prosecutors in order to get herself a lesser sentence.
COMMENTS