Epstein survivor slams Bondi for dehumanizing victims, refuses to apologize

WASHINGTON, DC: A Jeffrey Epstein survivor sharply criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi during a congressional hearing this week, claiming her testimony “dehumanized” victims rather than offering any form of accountability.

The remarks came after Bondi repeatedly declined to apologize when questioned, prompting one survivor to call the hearing a “circus act” that failed to acknowledge the gravity of abuse endured by Epstein’s victims.

Survivor says Pam Bondi never apologized

Marina Lacerda, an Epstein survivor present at the hearing, expressed frustration over Bondi’s refusal to address the victims directly. “We expected a little more… she really dehumanized us today,” Lacerda said. “At one point they asked if she could apologize, and she never did.”

When another lawmaker pressed Bondi to apologize on behalf of her department, the attorney general declined, drawing visible reactions from those in attendance. “We stood there, and we almost felt embarrassed that we even stood up, and she couldn’t turn around and apologize to us,” Lacerda added.

Pam Bondi focused on deflecting, says survivor

The survivor criticized Bondi for repeatedly highlighting the Trump administration’s accomplishments instead of addressing the victims’ concerns. “I think she said President Trump was the best president that we’ve ever had,” Lacerda noted. “The whole room laughed as well.”

Lacerda argued that Bondi’s focus on administrative achievements was a distraction from the purpose of the hearing. “She may have done positive things, but we’re here today for a different reason,” she said. 

Pav Bondi’s testimony draws widespread criticism

Observers and survivors said Bondi spent more time defending her record than engaging with the victims’ experiences. During the hearing, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) asked Bondi to face Epstein’s survivors and apologize for her department’s handling of the case; Bondi refused.

Some panel members even laughed when Bondi mentioned supposed Justice Department successes, a reaction survivors interpreted as minimizing their suffering. Critics argued the hearing highlighted a pattern of dismissiveness toward Epstein’s victims rather than accountability.

The exchange underscores continuing tension over how public officials address historical mishandling of Epstein’s case and the experiences of those affected.