The latest release of Jeffrey Epstein documents has reignited anger among his victims, who say the Justice Department has once again fallen short of expectations.
On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) made public 600,000 pages of previously unseen documents and photos connected to the disgraced financier.
While the release was meant to offer transparency, critics argue that the files were heavily redacted, leaving huge gaps and raising questions about whether the public is seeing the full picture.
Victims Speak Out
Several of Epstein’s survivors have voiced disappointment over the partial release.
Marina Lacerda, who says she was abused by Epstein at just 14, called for the DOJ to stop redacting information unnecessarily.
“Just put out the files,” she urged.
“Stop redacting names that don’t need to be redacted.”
Lacerda also expressed skepticism about the government’s claims of transparency.
“In the beginning, they were calling us a hoax.
Now they say they believe us and will release the files—but the files still aren’t fully out,” she explained.
Lacerda added that many of the photos released seemed irrelevant to the case, offering only a disturbing glimpse into Epstein’s Manhattan residence and activities.
Calls for Accountability
Jess Michaels, one of Epstein’s earliest known victims, echoed similar concerns.
She said the release highlights ongoing corruption and delayed justice, asking, “What are they protecting?”
Michaels has long campaigned for the full release of files documenting Epstein’s and Ghislaine Maxwell’s crimes.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s abuse.
Marijke Chartouni and Lisa Phillips also criticized the redactions.
Chartouni questioned where transparency exists if so much is blacked out, while Phillips argued that authorities appear to be protecting themselves rather than the survivors.
A Rare Moment of Vindication
Not all victims reacted negatively.
Maria Farmer, who had long struggled to have her complaints about Epstein heard, saw the release as a moment of vindication.
Among the files was a 1996 FBI complaint documenting her claims that Epstein had stolen photographs she had taken of her underage sisters.
“I’ve waited 30 years,” Farmer told The New York Times.
“I can’t believe it. They can’t call me a liar anymore.”
Her sister Annie Farmer echoed relief but emphasized that the release still lacked overall transparency.
Both sisters have publicly recounted their experiences with Epstein, including sexual abuse and manipulative encounters.
Redactions and Public Outcry
Despite the massive volume of files—more than 13,000 documents spanning hundreds of thousands of pages—critics say they are difficult to search and analyze.
Former MAGA ally Marjorie Taylor Greene condemned the heavy redactions, arguing that high-profile individuals mentioned in the files were being shielded from scrutiny.
Greene took to X to voice her outrage, writing that transparency should expose “the rich, powerful elites who are corrupt and commit crimes—not redact their names and protect them.”
She accused the administration of breaking the law by withholding information.
What Comes Next?
The DOJ has acknowledged that the files released on Friday are not exhaustive and has promised more documents at an unspecified future date.
Meanwhile, victims and advocates continue to push for complete transparency and justice, underscoring the frustration that comes with delayed accountability in one of the most high-profile cases of sexual abuse in recent history.
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