On September 3, 2025, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring made a historic announcement at a Capitol Hill press conference, declaring their intent to compile and potentially release their own list of individuals they allege were involved in or enabled Epstein’s abuse. Led by survivors like Lisa Phillips, Marina Lacerda, and Anouska De Georgiou, the group expressed frustration with the federal government’s failure to fully disclose Epstein-related files, particularly after the House Oversight Committee released 33,000 heavily redacted pages, most of which were already public. Phillips passionately stated, “We know the names. Many of us were abused by them,” emphasizing that the list would be survivor-led and compiled confidentially to protect victims from retaliation. The announcement, met with emotional support from attendees, underscored the survivors’ determination to seek justice independently, as they believe the government has shielded powerful figures connected to Epstein’s network.

The survivors’ decision comes amid growing distrust in the Justice Department, which in July 2025 claimed no evidence exists of an Epstein “client list” used for blackmail, despite public and congressional pressure for transparency. The group, backed by attorneys like Brad Edwards, highlighted the government’s inaction as a betrayal, with survivors like Teresa Helm asserting, “This is likely one of the biggest cover-ups in the history of the United States.” The proposed list aims to name those who were “regularly in the Epstein world,” including individuals the survivors claim abused them or knew of the trafficking. While the list is currently intended to remain confidential due to fears of legal or personal repercussions, survivors hinted at future public disclosure if the government continues to stall, a move that could ignite further controversy and legal battles.

This bold step by Epstein’s survivors has intensified the political firestorm surrounding the case, with bipartisan lawmakers like Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna pushing the Epstein Files Transparency Act to force the release of all investigative records. The survivors’ announcement has also drawn sharp criticism from the Trump administration, with President Trump dismissing the broader Epstein file demands as a “Democrat hoax.” However, survivors like Haley Robson, a registered Republican, countered this narrative, inviting Trump to meet with them to understand the reality of their experiences. As the survivors move forward with their list, they face significant risks, including potential lawsuits or harassment, but their collective resolve signals a powerful shift toward accountability, with Phillips declaring, “Transparency is justice.” The move could reshape the Epstein case, challenging the secrecy that has long protected the powerful.