'We trusted the wrong people': Epstein survivors speak to the BBC

BBC News
March 25, 2026
4 views
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Epstein survivors discuss what powerful associates knew about his activities with BBC.

AI Summary

Epstein survivors have told BBC Newsnight they believe powerful figures associated with the late financier knew about his crimes, expressing regret over misplaced trust in those connected to him. The accusation suggests that individuals in Epstein's orbit may have had knowledge of his abuse but failed to act or report it. Jeffrey Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving dozens of underage girls. The survivors' account underscores ongoing questions about accountability for those who may have facilitated or enabled Epstein's decades-long scheme. The BBC investigation appears aimed at identifying gaps in law enforcement response and determining what information key figures possessed about the abuse.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

'He liked the fear in our eyes,' Epstein survivors tell BBC
Civil Rights

'He liked the fear in our eyes,' Epstein survivors tell BBC

In an interview with BBC Newsnight, five survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuses spoke about how pervasive the disgraced financier's wrongdoing was and what justice could look like.

BBC NewsMar 25
As New Mexico investigates, questions are raised about Epstein's links to the powerful - Reuters
Civil Rights

As New Mexico investigates, questions are raised about Epstein's links to the powerful - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuwFBVV95cUxPOXZtVUUyZTVNdHVYbXJuWWNpRG1mQTRhT2JTb2w3NXVud0Z1ZFNRM2VQYkFYNWpEeDd0ZDBUcWozS3I2UndKbXRuQ2NTRlpTSEZDelB3QTQ0blRXT3ZLVWphcjVwMFh1M09aOG0xRHRsaFFMNjhUMWl0NG9QRlVoR1FvNWgxUjAtRTU5cFI1aThyNW9fbmtmeE5vS1VNZXFtSDBjc0pHLXloUWJqVEpZWFFQU2FpbmhhTmxJ?oc=5" target="_blank">As New Mexico investigates, questions are raised about Epstein's links to the powerful</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

ReutersMar 21
Epstein victim says Bard president helped legitimize sex offender
Civil Rights

Epstein victim says Bard president helped legitimize sex offender

<p>Leon Botstein’s communications and relationship with Epstein under review by WilmerHale law firm, while Bard president says he never witnessed anything inappropriate</p><p>A victim of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a> who had previous interactions with Leon Botstein said she believed the Bard College president, whose relationship with the late sex offender is currently under review, was part of a group of influential and accomplished men whose proximity to Epstein helped to rehabilitate his reputation.</p><p>Svetlana Pozhidaeva, a former Russian model who worked as a “staffer” for Epstein, told the Guardian in an interview that she saw Botstein with Epstein together “quite frequently” – including having flown with him on a trip to Epstein’s island in December 2012 – and that she believed his reputation as a “sophisticated intellectual” helped “legitimize” Epstein.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/24/jeffrey-...

The Guardian US NewsMar 24
'We cannot be in peace', say Guthrie family as they renew appeal over missing mother - BBC
Civil Rights

'We cannot be in peace', say Guthrie family as they renew appeal over missing mother - BBC

BBCMar 22
'Justice necessary': Yazidi survivors deliver harrowing genocide testimony amid int'l indifference
Global

'Justice necessary': Yazidi survivors deliver harrowing genocide testimony amid int'l indifference

Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Clémence Bectarte, a lawyer at the Paris Bar, specializing in international criminal law and international human rights law. She speaks from a position shaped her direct involvement, working with survivors of the Yazidi genocide, whose experiences reveal both the depth of the brutal systematic violence and the enduring struggle for recognition and basic justice. The testimonies presented in this case are not only legal evidence, but acts of resistance against erasure of a people.

AFP / France 24Mar 27
Massie suggests ‘wrong person’ arrested in Jan. 6 DC pipe bomb case
Politics

Massie suggests ‘wrong person’ arrested in Jan. 6 DC pipe bomb case

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that he does not believe federal authorities arrested the true culprit behind two pipe bombs planted outside the Democratic and Republican national committee offices on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. “I believe FBI arrested the wrong person in the J6 pipe bomb case,” Massie wrote…

The HillMar 24
Read Next
Defense Secretary Hegseth intervened to stop promotions of Black and female officers
Civil Rights

Defense Secretary Hegseth intervened to stop promotions of Black and female officers

The four Army officers were on track to become one-star generals, NPR confirms. Defense secretary Pete Hegseth's involvement in the promotion process is highly unusual.

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources