The release of thousands of new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein was supposed to bring justice. Instead, it has sparked a major controversy. The family of the late Virginia Giuffre has strongly criticized the US Department of Justice (DOJ). They claim the new files expose victims to public shame while still hiding the names of some perpetrators.
Here is a detailed look at the latest updates, the family’s reaction, and what this means for the ongoing Epstein scandal.
Family Calls File Release “Retraumatizing”
In early February 2026, the US Department of Justice released a massive batch of 3 million documents linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This was required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. However, the release has backfired.
Sky Roberts, the brother of Virginia Giuffre, appeared on CBS Mornings to express the family’s anger. He stated that the DOJ failed to protect survivors. According to Roberts, the government unredacted (revealed) the names of victims who wanted to stay private, while simultaneously redacting (hiding) the names of powerful people accused of abuse.
“They’re redacting the names of perpetrators and they’re unredacting the names of victims, quite the opposite of what the Epstein Files Transparency Act was meant to do,” Roberts said.
The family called this move “insensitive and retraumatizing.” They fear that revealing intimate details of the victims puts their safety at risk and hurts their children and families.
Read more: Mahua Moitra Epstein Tweet Row
DOJ Admits Mistakes and Withdraws Files
Following the backlash, the Justice Department admitted that errors were made. On Monday, they withdrew several thousand documents from their website. This happened after lawyers for the victims complained that nearly 100 survivors had their lives “turned upside down” due to sloppy work by the DOJ.
A spokesperson for the DOJ said they take victim protection seriously and are reviewing the files again. However, for many families, the damage is already done.
Prince Andrew Moves to Sandringham Amid Fallout
The new files have also brought fresh trouble for the former Prince Andrew (now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor). The documents included disturbing details, including a 2011 letter alleging he requested “sex acts” from young women.
As a result of the renewed scandal:
- Andrew has officially moved out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor, his home for over 20 years.
- He is now living at Sandringham, King Charles III’s private estate in eastern England.
- King Charles had previously stripped Andrew of his royal titles in late 2025 after Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, Nobody’s Girl, was published.
Context: Virginia Giuffre’s Fight for Justice
Virginia Giuffre was one of the most vocal survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking ring. She spent years fighting to expose the powerful men involved.
Sadly, Giuffre passed away by suicide in April 2025 at her home in Australia. Before her death, she completed a memoir titled Nobody’s Girl, which was released in October 2025. The book provided shocking details about her abuse and her legal battles against figures like Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew.
Her family says she fought for the release of these files to expose the truth, not to hurt other victims.
Why This Matters for India and the World
While this case is centered in the US and UK, it is trending globally, including in India.
- Digital Privacy: It shows how easily sensitive data can be mishandled by governments.
- Victim Rights: It sparks a debate on how sexual assault survivors should be treated by the legal system.
- Accountability: The world is watching to see if powerful “enablers” listed in the files will finally face jail time, or if they will remain protected.
What Happens Next?
The DOJ is currently “scrubbing” the files to hide victim names properly. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the US are demanding answers on why the release was handled so poorly. For Prince Andrew, pressure is mounting for him to testify, though he continues to deny all allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Virginia Giuffre?
Virginia Giuffre was a prominent victims’ rights advocate and a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. she accused Prince Andrew and other powerful men of abuse. She passed away in April 2025.
2. What is in the new Epstein files released in 2026?
The files contain emails, flight logs, and witness testimonies. They reveal names of people who associated with Epstein, including politicians and business leaders. However, they also accidentally revealed the names of many victims.
3. Why is Virginia Giuffre’s family angry at the US government?
They are angry because the Department of Justice revealed the identities of victims who wanted to remain anonymous, while still hiding the names of some abusers. They feel this betrays the victims.
4. Has Prince Andrew been arrested?
No, Prince Andrew has not been arrested. However, he has lost his royal titles and was forced to move out of his royal home due to the scandal.
5. What is the book “Nobody’s Girl”?
Nobody’s Girl is the memoir written by Virginia Giuffre. It was published in October 2025, after her death, and details her life and her fight for justice.