Pressure is mounting on Prince Andrew as ten victims of Jeffrey Epstein, his disgraced associate, are set to demand the release of US government files naming the royal. The victims, including Teresa Helm and Jess Michaels, who have previously remained silent, are poised to speak out in Washington DC, urging politicians to unveil secret records shedding light on Epstein’s influential circle.
This push comes after Donald Trump reversed his promise to disclose the files, sparking suspicions of a cover-up following Elon Musk’s claim of Trump’s name in the documents. The victims’ move threatens to entangle the Duke of York in the Epstein scandal once more, revealing potential connections between the late financier and high-profile individuals.
Congressman Ro Khanna and Republican Thomas Massie have united to advocate for the full release of the Epstein files, employing a “discharge petition” to bypass party leadership and secure a floor vote in the House of Representatives. With Democrats’ support secured, just six Republicans need to defy Trump to reach the required signatures for the petition’s success. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump supporter, opposes the effort, citing ongoing document reviews by the House Oversight Committee.
Amidst opposition from the White House, victims express frustration over delays, calling for transparency. Recent discussions with Epstein survivors left top Republicans emotionally moved, highlighting the gravity of the situation. For Prince Andrew, the resurgence of Epstein’s victims rekindles scrutiny over his past association with the convicted sex offender, further complicating his efforts to distance himself from the scandal.
In a bid to clear his name, Andrew has faced public backlash, most notably after a BBC Newsnight interview in 2019. Despite vehemently denying allegations of sexual misconduct, the Duke agreed to a settlement with Virginia Giuffre in 2022. Epstein’s death in 2019 and Ghislaine Maxwell’s imprisonment have added layers to the saga, underscoring the lasting impact of the scandal on those involved.