Epstein survivor Jess Michaels believes there will be no more explanation about redactions from DOJ
WASHINGTON, DC: Epstein survivor Jess Michaels believes there will be no more context or explanations by the authorities about the redactions in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) started a massive release of its internal investigative files on December 19, which was mandated by the 'Epstein Files Transparency Act', a legislation passed in November that required Attorney General Pam Bondi to publish all classified Epstein-related material.
Jess Michaels says DOJ has broken the law
During an interview with CNN, host Erika Hill asked Jess Michaels, "Given the fact that it lasted so long, you and your fellow survivors have been fighting for so long not just for the release but to also have your voices heard. We did hear from Todd Blanche that there will be more coming. Do you believe that it will all come out? Do you also belive that there will be more context and explanation for these redactions?"
"No. I think the law was clear that the deadline was 11:59 PM on December 19, and once that time frame was crossed, we have broken the law. The Department of Justice has broken the law," Jess Michaels said.
She added, "I see no dancing around that, no giving levy, because this has been going on, in recent years, for months, since the administration decided to seal everything and close the investigation."
Michaels also mentioned, "For many of us it has been going on for more than 30 years. I have been living with PTSD since 1991."
Meanwhile, Erika Hill then asked her that the number of people who have joined the call for these documents has that helped or hurt in the Epstein survivor's view.
"Having the volume of American people behind us who are then reaching out to the representatives in Congress has been a huge inspiration for all of us," Michaels said.
She added, "We would have not gotten that active Congress if there wasn't an unprecedented amount of communication with Senators and Representatives in Congress. It wouldn't have happened. So there is a hope in that."
"I think it's a real big miscalculation of this administration that they don't recognize that there are millions of such survivors who have gone through very similar situations. I think that's a big miscalculation," Michaels mentioned.
DOJ to continue redacting Epstein documents amid scrutiny
The Justice Department said it will continue reviewing and redacting thousands of records related to Jeffrey Epstein that were released this week, citing legal obligations to protect victims.
The announcement comes after growing scrutiny over missing files and the scope of redactions in documents made public under the Epstein Transparency Act. Lawmakers from both parties have questioned if the DOJ is complying with the law passed in November.
Moreover, the department has acknowledged errors in the initial release and said additional material will be published in the coming weeks.
The DOJ said it will continue reviewing and redacting photos and other materials from the Epstein document release "consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information".
The department also noted that the Epstein Files Transparency Act requires redactions to prevent the identification of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein abuse.
However, they faced criticism over the scope of the redactions and missing materials after several images disappeared from their website over the weekend.
