‘Epstein files and the moral crisis in US’

This is apropos to a letter to the Editor titled ‘Epstein files and the moral crisis in US’ carried by the newspaper yesterday.

The Associated Press described the files as a “who’s who of powerful men” appearing in emails, invitations, photographs or scheduling records tied to Epstein. Prince Andrew, long scrutinized over his relationship with Epstein, settled a civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre while continuing to deny any wrongdoing. Bill Clinton acknowledged flying on Epstein’s plane years before the financier’s final arrest but has denied knowledge of criminal behavior.

Donald Trump has similarly acknowledged a past social relationship while denying awareness of abuse. Elon Musk has publicly stated that he declined invitations to Epstein’s island. Richard Branson’s company emphasized that interactions were limited to business or group settings. Ehud Barak admitted visiting Epstein’s New York residence and flying on his plane, later expressing regret for the association. Larry Summers called his connection “a major error of judgment.” Sergey Brin, Steve Bannon, Steven Tisch, Howard Lutnick, Casey Wasserman and others appear in various correspondences but have not been accused of criminal conduct. Association, in legal terms, is not guilt. Yet the psychological impact of proximity is harder to dismiss.

When a convicted trafficker of minors successfully embedded himself within elite political, financial and academic networks, it forces uncomfortable questions. How did someone with known red flags retain access to such circles even after his 2008 plea agreement in Florida? Why did social contact continue after serious allegations were already public knowledge? The outrage many feel is not about bypassing due process. It is about moral symmetry. In ordinary life, association with a convicted sex offender can destroy reputations overnight. Within elite spaces, however, such association appears cushioned by status and influence. That perceived asymmetry fuels distrust.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026