Fact Check: Do Epstein files say that Ellen DeGeneres is a cannibal?

WASHINGTON, DC: Following the release of a massive tranche of files related to the convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, a claim is circulating on social media spaces that popular television host Ellen DeGeneres has been exposed as a cannibal. The bizarre claim has raised many eyebrows. Let us fact-check the truth behind the claim.

Claim: Epstein files mention Ellen DeGeneres as a cannibal 

The claim that surfaced on social media describes DeGeneres as Hollywood's 'most prolific cannibal' in the Epstein files.

An X post by Whiplash347 said, “The Epstein files expose Ellen DeGeneres as Hollywood's 'most prolific cannibal.’ She ate children's flesh.”

“Epstein files name Ellen DeGeneres as the most prolific cannibal. Vampires are real,” another post said, sharing a video of DeGeneres’ face being distorted to make it look frightening.

“DISTURBING Epstein Files Discovery. Ellen DeGeneres Gets The Title No One Wanted to Know Existed: “Most Prolific Cannibal.” DeGeneres lived like she was in a dystopia underground with no protein sources left but other people. Next level ick. She has the crazy eyes. We knew that. But did you ever imagine this?” said a post.

Fact Check: False, no such claim about Ellen DeGeneres in the files

The claims are baseless and not supported by evidence, as the Epstein files make no such claim about DeGeneres. 

According to reports, DeGeneres is one of over 300 well-known people named in communications and investigative documents. However, being mentioned in these documents does not establish any wrongdoing.

A Google search for the rumour yields no relevant results supporting the claim, which, if true, would have been widely covered by prominent news outlets.

The release of millions of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein

The claim surfaced following the Department of Justice's release of millions of documents related to the disgraced financier on January 30. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the release also included more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.

The release came after weeks of criticism that the department was not following a federal law passed in November, which required all Epstein-related files to be made public by December 19.

Numerous individuals listed are mentioned in flight logs, interviews, third-party communications, or ancillary investigative documents without being accused of any criminal activity.

In addition to DeGeneres, other names that appear in the larger document index include Oprah Winfrey, James Comey, Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, Michelle Obama, and Barack Obama.