Documents reviewed by BBC Verify are among thousands of files that lawyers say contain identifying information about dozens of Epstein’s victims. Victims’ groups first raised concerns over the weekend, after the New York Times reported that nearly 40 images had been published on Friday as part of the latest release of Epstein-related material.
On Tuesday, a New York judge said the Department of Justice (DoJ) had agreed to urgently address the issue, following calls from victims to shut down the website hosting the files until names and images could be properly redacted. The DoJ subsequently removed thousands of documents, saying the files had been uploaded due to “technical or human error”.
In a statement, the department said it was continuing to review new requests and checking whether additional documents required further redaction. However, BBC Verify independently confirmed that several images showing identifiable individuals were still available online on Wednesday, a day after the US government said it was taking action. The BBC has contacted the DoJ for comment and provided details of the unredacted files.
“The damage done is irreparable,” said Brad Edwards, a lawyer representing Epstein’s victims. “I’m heartbroken for the girls whose information was released,” said Ashley Rubright, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse. “That’s such a huge violation of one of the most horrible moments of their lives.”
BBC Verify identified four images showing partially clothed young females whose faces and bodies were not redacted. These were discovered during a broader review of the millions of files released as evidence of Epstein’s interactions with public figures.
In other cases, redaction appeared inconsistent. Some documents contained both redacted and unredacted versions of the same image, while a video identified by BBC Verify showed a person lifting her shirt and exposing her breast to the camera.
The ongoing presence of unredacted material has intensified criticism of the handling of the file release and renewed calls for stronger safeguards to protect victims’ identities.
