Epstein victims vow to compile ‘client list’ of their own after House panel drops thousands of documents
During a press conference on Capitol Hill, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell announced their plan to assemble a confidential list of powerful associates whom they allege abused minors within the Epstein network. Led by survivor Lisa Phillips, the group emphasized that this list will be for survivors, by survivors, reflecting their firsthand knowledge of the names and involvement of these individuals.
This initiative follows a major release of government documents related to the Epstein case. Despite the Department of Justice and FBI insisting there is no centralized “client list”, survivors are frustrated by the limited nature of the information shared so far. Only about 1% of relevant records have been made public, prompting survivors and bipartisan lawmakers to call for full transparency via the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
At the same event, survivors, including high-profile names like Marina Lacerda and Chauntae Davies, urged Congress to pass a discharge petition—led by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY)—that would force a vote on legislation compelling the DOJ to release all Epstein-related files. This bipartisan push underscores the urgency that survivors and lawmakers attach to achieving full disclosure.
Attorney Bradley Edwards, a longstanding advocate for Epstein survivors, stressed that survivors often fear naming abusers due to legal risks. Yet, he also underscored why the survivor-led list is crucial: it confronts institutional secrecy and ensures accountability. Many survivors see the legal system as having failed them, and they want to fill that void with their own documentation and collective truth.
This movement marks a pivotal shift in strategy—from seeking transparency solely through government channels to survivor-driven documentation. While legal battles continue, the survivors are increasingly asserting their agency. As one survivor put it, “we know the names… we will confidentially compile the names”. This initiative could become a new vehicle for justice, even as legislation for broader disclosure gains momentum.
Key Legal & Strategic Outcomes
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Survivors are compiling their own “client list”, confidentially naming alleged perpetrators within Epstein’s circle. New York PostPeople.com
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The DOJ officially denies the existence of a centralized client list, further motivating survivor-led documentation. People.comWikipedia
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A bipartisan push via the Epstein Files Transparency Act seeks full disclosure of federal files, with lawmakers using discharge petitions to force floor votes. People.comAP News
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Survivors express fear of legal retaliation for naming abusers, but affirm their resolve to act regardless. The 19thNew York Post
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Emerges a new survivor-driven justice effort, potentially redefining how accountability is pursued when institutions falter or withhold information. People.comThe 19th
Why It Matters
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Survivors reclaim narrative and agency, no longer waiting for institutions to act.
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Pressures institutional accountability, as survivor lists defy government reticence and official denials.
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Amplifies demands for transparency, strengthening legislative tools to compel disclosure.
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Creates a new evidence avenue, potentially catalyzing legal or public action when institutions fall short.
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Redresses power imbalance, serving as a symbolic and practical assertion that survivors will not be silenced.
Publication Details & Source
- Publication Date: September 3, 2025
- Sources & Live Links:
- New York Post: “Epstein victims vow to compile ‘client list’ of their own after House panel drops thousands of documents” New York Post
- People.com: “Jeffrey Epstein Accusers Announce Plan to Compile and Release List of All His Known Associates” People.com
