Epstein exposer Julie K Brown blasts NewsNation's Leland Vittert as 'misogynistic, unprofessional'
WASHINGTON, DC: Investigative reporter Julie K. Brown, whose groundbreaking reporting helped expose Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, publicly rebuked NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert on Saturday, February 21 calling his on-air conduct “misogynistic and unprofessional” after a heated interview with Rep Melanie Stansbury.
Brown’s criticism came after watching a clip of Vittert’s tense exchange with Stansbury over the Epstein files and alleged accountability for President Donald Trump.
This is why I won't go on NewsNation, ever. He is scoffing and smirking and won't even let her finish a sentence. So misogynistic and unprofessional. Let her speak, dude. @NewsNation https://t.co/FffSr3sl8w
— julie k. brown (@jkbjournalist) February 21, 2026
Julie K. Brown says 'let her speak'
Julie K Brown sharply criticized the interaction between Leland Vittert and Rep Melanie Stansbury as she posted a clip of it on X.
“This is why I won’t go on NewsNation, ever,” Brown posted. “He is scoffing and smirking and won’t even let her finish a sentence. So misogynistic and unprofessional. Let her speak, dude.”
“His listeners would have benefited from what she was trying to explain. She agreed that it should have been investigated by prior administrations”, she added.
Her reaction drew multiple social media reactions, given Brown’s central role in reigniting the Epstein investigation.
His listeners would have benefited from what she was trying to explain. She agreed that it should have been investigated by prior administrations. She started at the beginning...the first failure was in 2006-07 when the feds had a draft indictment against Epstein based on 40 --…
— julie k. brown (@jkbjournalist) February 21, 2026
The exchange that triggered Brown’s reaction
The confrontation began when Vittert referenced Stansbury’s social media remark: “If a Prince can be held accountable, so can a President.”
He asked directly “What crime do you think Donald Trump should be charged with?”
Stansbury responded “Well, Donald Trump was investigated by the FBI for abuse of a minor, and there are multiple statements from witnesses that the FBI took as tips and they investigated as allegations. Those, as far as we know, were never taken to the fullest extent of their investigation.”
As she continued, Vittert interrupted: “Hold on, hold on. First of all...”
This is how systems fail survivors and shield the rich and powerful from accountability.
— Rep. Melanie Stansbury (@Rep_Stansbury) February 21, 2026
Don’t come for me, if you don’t come with facts. pic.twitter.com/VLF6JFMqRr
Stansbury tried to proceed: “We need to ask important questions about what happened”
“But you know, ma’am, that’s not what you said, though, that’s not what you said!” Vittert said. “You said he should be held accountable in the way he should be arrested.”
“Sir, I didn’t come on your show....” Stansbury was responding before Vittert cut her off again.
“You came on to give answers, and you’re not answering the question!” Vittert shot back.
Stansbury answered “I came on your program to present the facts to the American public, which is, the files are there. There are three million files available for the public to view themselves. I don’t have to argue with you on the air. Just go read the files, my friend.”
