The US justice department has released an initial tranche of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, which include photos, videos and investigative documents, were highly anticipated after Congress passed a law mandating the files be released in their entirety by Friday.
However, Democrats and some Republicans have accused the Department of Justice (DOJ) of violating its legal obligations after it said it would not be able to release all the documents by the deadline. Many details in the thousands of files have also been heavily redacted.
A number of famous faces are included in the first batch of files, including former US President Bill Clinton, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and musicians Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson.
Being named or pictured in the files does not indicate wrongdoing. Many of those identified in the files or in previous releases related to Epstein have denied any wrongdoing.
Bill Clinton pictured in pool and hot tub
Several of the images released include former US President Bill Clinton. One picture shows him swimming in a pool, and another shows him lying on his back with his hands behind his head in what appears to be a hot tub.
Clinton was photographed with Epstein several times over the 1990s and early 2000s, prior to Epstein's first arrest. He has denied knowledge of Epstein's sexual offenses, with spokesperson Angel Ureña emphasizing that any released images are decades old.
Trump is also mentioned in the documents in relation to an alleged encounter with a 14-year-old girl presented to him by Epstein at Mar-a-Lago, though no accusations are made against him.
Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Chris Tucker and Mick Jagger
The latest release includes various pictures showing Epstein with notable personalities such as Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, and Diana Ross, among others. Details about the context of these images remain scarce, casting doubt over their significance.
As the investigation continues, several hundred thousand additional documents are yet to be released, promising further revelations. However, the extensive redactions and delays have sparked bipartisan criticism, with calls for accountability from lawmakers.























