Thousands of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case, including images and videos showing nudity, have circulated online for days despite US officials being warned about incomplete redactions, raising serious concerns over victims’ privacy.
According to documents reviewed by BBC Verify, several files contain identifying information about dozens of Epstein’s victims. Lawyers representing the victims say the release has caused “irreparable” harm.
Victims’ groups first raised alarm after the New York Times reported on Friday that nearly 40 images had been published online. By Tuesday, a New York judge confirmed that the Department of Justice (DoJ) had committed to correcting the errors and temporarily removing files until names and images were properly redacted.
The DoJ removed thousands of documents, attributing the leaks to “technical or human error,” and stated it was reviewing additional requests and checking for other files needing redaction. However, BBC Verify independently found that some unredacted images remained online as of Wednesday.
Brad Edwards, a lawyer representing the victims, described the release as “irreparable.” Survivor Ashley Rubright said, “I’m heartbroken for the girls whose information was released. That’s such a huge violation of one of the most horrible moments of their lives.”
Among the exposed files were four images of partially clothed young females, with faces and bodies left unredacted. In some cases, the same photo appeared twice; once with the face blacked out and once fully visible. One video showed a woman lifting her shirt, exposing her breast to the camera.
The DoJ had been tasked with redacting all sexually explicit content and any identifying information before releasing the files over the Christmas period. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche previously warned that additional time was needed to protect victims’ identities, delaying the publication.
BBC Verify also found medical and legal records revealing personal information, including foetal ultrasounds with names, dates, and locations visible, as well as recordings where a victim’s name was mentioned during questioning of Epstein.
Edwards said the DoJ’s lapses have resulted in “thousands of mistakes,” with victims’ private identities now public despite never having come forward. “We are getting constant calls from victims because their names despite them never coming forward, being completely unknown to the publichave all just been released for public consumption,” he said.
The failures have intensified calls for stricter oversight and highlighted the ongoing trauma for Epstein’s survivors, who say the government has not adequately safeguarded them.