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Epstein Victims’ Attorneys Seek Emergency Takedown of DOJ Files Website
Attorneys representing hundreds of alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein are asking two federal judges in New York to order the immediate removal of a Justice Department (DOJ) website hosting Epstein-related documents, citing what they describe as a rapidly escalating privacy crisis.
In a letter sent to U.S. District Judges Richard Berman and Paul Engelmayer, the lawyers argue that repeated failures to properly redact sensitive information have exposed victims to serious and irreversible harm. The request follows the Justice Department’s ongoing release of Epstein-related records, which began last month.
“An Unfolding Emergency,” Lawyers Say
The attorneys, who represent more than 200 alleged survivors, describe the situation as an “unfolding emergency” that requires urgent judicial intervention. They claim that despite repeated assurances from the DOJ, redaction errors have continued, culminating in what they call an unprecedented breach of Epstein victims’ privacy on January 30.
According to the letter, lawyers have flagged thousands of redaction failures over a 48-hour period involving nearly 100 individuals. The alleged errors include the release of full names, home addresses, bank details, and identifying information of Epstein victims who were minors at the time of their abuse.
Survivors Describe Ongoing Harm
The filing includes statements from Epstein victims describing the personal consequences of the disclosures. One woman said she had never publicly identified herself and was now facing unwanted media attention and harassment. Another victim said the release of her information was “profoundly distressing” and raised fears for her and her child’s physical safety.
The attorneys argue that the harm increases with every passing hour the documents remain online, asserting that once private information spreads, it cannot be undone.
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DOJ Defends Process but Acknowledges Errors
The Justice Department has acknowledged that mistakes can occur when reviewing large volumes of historical documents, but maintains that it is taking swift corrective action. Officials say that when errors are reported, the affected documents are temporarily removed and corrected.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has defended the department’s overall approach, saying extensive efforts were made to protect victims. He also claimed that the errors affect only a tiny fraction of the total materials released.
However, Epstein victims’ lawyers strongly dispute that characterization, arguing the scale and consistency of the failures show that the DOJ’s process is inadequate for protecting survivors.
Call for Judicial Intervention
In their letter, the attorneys say informal back-and-forth with the Justice Department is no longer sufficient. They urge the court to step in as what they describe as the “last line of defense” for victims who were promised anonymity but instead found their identities exposed.
As pressure mounts from survivors, lawmakers, and advocacy groups, the judges’ response could determine whether the Epstein files website remains accessible—or is taken down pending a more secure review process.
