A US judge has ruled that the identities of more than 170 associates of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein could be revealed next month. The decision, issued by New York Judge Loretta Preska, arises from a lawsuit against Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison term. Those on the list, potentially including Prince Andrew, have until January 1 to appeal against their names being unsealed. The lawsuit, filed by Virginia Giuffre, was settled in 2015, leaving the names under a court-ordered seal.
The ruling includes 40 documents of evidence from Johanna Sjoberg, who alleges Prince Andrew groped her in 2001. Buckingham Palace has categorically denied these allegations. Last year, Prince Andrew settled a lawsuit filed by Ms Giuffre, who claimed he sexually abused her when she was 17. The Duke of York has denied ever meeting Ms Giuffre and her allegations.
Judge Preska’s decision to unseal the documents is based on the public nature of many individuals involved, with several already identified in the media or during Maxwell’s criminal trial. However, identities of child victims will remain sealed. The Epstein case, which has led to numerous conspiracy theories about the involvement of prominent figures, has so far resulted in criminal cases focused on Epstein and Maxwell. Epstein, who committed suicide in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking charges, had ties to influential figures in business and politics. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of aiding Epstein in recruiting and sexually abusing underage girls.
Primary Sources: Associated Press Rating, BBC Rating
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