The US Department of Justice (DOJ) released an initial batch of thousands of documents and hundreds of photographs related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on December 19, 2025, in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The release, posted on the DOJ's website, includes heavily redacted files and undated images showing Epstein socializing with high-profile individuals, though officials emphasized that inclusion in the photos does not imply wrongdoing. The DOJ withheld thousands of additional pages, citing the need to protect victims and ongoing reviews, with more releases promised in the coming weeks.
Among the newly disclosed photographs are several depicting former President Bill Clinton in various settings. One image shows Clinton swimming in a pool alongside Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted accomplice in sex trafficking, and an unidentified person whose face has been redacted. Another captures Clinton relaxing in a hot tub, reclining with arms behind his head. Additional photos feature Clinton with musicians Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, as well as Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. In one group shot, Clinton appears with Jackson, Ross, and redacted individuals, possibly on a private plane.
Other celebrities appearing in the undated, often uncaptioned images include British entrepreneur Richard Branson, comedian Chris Tucker, actor Kevin Spacey, and the late news anchor Walter Cronkite. One photo shows former Prince Andrew (now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor) in evening attire, laughing while lying across the laps of several women at what appears to be a formal event, with Maxwell visible in the background. Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York and Andrew's ex-wife, also features in some images.
The photographs, believed to originate from Epstein's personal collection or seized during investigations, provide glimpses into his jet-setting lifestyle but offer limited context regarding dates, locations, or circumstances. None of the prominent figures pictured—beyond Epstein and Maxwell—have been accused of criminal involvement in Epstein's offenses based on this release. Clinton's spokesperson, Angel Ureña, reiterated that the former president cut ties with Epstein years before his 2019 arrest and was unaware of his crimes. Representatives for other individuals, including estates of deceased figures like Jackson, have not immediately commented on the specific images.
The release has drawn criticism for its heavy redactions and partial nature. Victim advocates and some lawmakers expressed disappointment, arguing that extensive blackouts hinder transparency. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the DOJ prioritized victim privacy, redacting references to potential abuse survivors. The files include investigative materials, phone records, and court documents, but no evidence emerged of a purported "client list" or new charges against third parties.
Epstein, a financier convicted in 2008 of procuring a minor for prostitution, faced federal sex trafficking charges in 2019 involving dozens of underage girls. He died in custody on August 10, 2019, at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, with the medical examiner ruling his death a suicide by hanging. Conspiracy theories questioning the suicide ruling have persisted, fueled by jail irregularities like malfunctioning cameras and staffing issues, but multiple investigations, including by the DOJ Inspector General, have affirmed the suicide conclusion.
Maxwell, convicted in 2021 of recruiting and grooming minors for Epstein, is serving a 20-year sentence. The 2025 release stems from bipartisan legislation mandating disclosure of remaining federal files on Epstein's cases, amid ongoing public interest in his associations with powerful figures.
While the photos highlight Epstein's access to elite circles, experts note they reveal little new substantive information about his criminal network. Political reactions varied, with some highlighting Clinton's prominence in the images, while others criticized the DOJ for not fully complying with the transparency law's deadline.
This initial tranche underscores the enduring scrutiny surrounding Epstein's life and death, but provides no bombshell revelations altering known facts about his offenses or associates' involvement.
