I agree with you, Rebecca. They should all be prosecuted. The more I hear about the files the more I am convinced that the corruption runs deeper than men and young girls. Epstein seems to be in the middle of international intrigue, money laundering and influence peddling. It reads like a John Le Carré novel.
Of course they should be prosecuted and if they are not we live in a more sick and unsafe world than many of us hope for. Thank you for your courage. Keep going. Also, can Canadians write to US congress people?
The global pipeline and system allowing rich ,powerful leaders, entertainment moguls, universities, foreign politicians that have used Epstein as a gateway to participate in self dealing , along with participating in sex trafficking yes absolutely should be exposed . Over a decade old. The unknown is to what end, what does justice look like who will champion it.
The damage that the released files seem to inflict sadly seems to be more pain for the victims. They were not properly redacted so once again they were violated, their choice was removed. The outrage in the media has been redirected to Mandelson, whilst obviously corrupt it has taken the story away from the women & girls. Any consequences for him is heaping more shame on women, our justice, our bodies are not worth more than some leaked information. The outrage in the commons over a gay man leaking information when a former prince is photographed over what appears to be a defeated girl. He continues to ride around the country with his freedom and pomp intact is heinous. The continued trampling and disregard for women and girls is unbearable.
Absolutely Emily. As much as I despise Mandelson and Andrew, they were not the only big names in the files and although they are deservedly taking a lot of heat, neither has been charged with any crime and both are still living a life of privilege.
Surely the point was to release the files to secure prosecutions against the accused (including Trump) and gain some form of justice for the victims?. If not, why bother? To further shame and humiliate the victims ? To provide more grisly column inches in the national press? That’s not what I marched for and not what justice looks like.
After the "grab them by the pussy" tape was played it was pretty obvious that his run for the presidency was over. After all if you have a sister, daughter, wife, heck if you have a mother you couldn't possibly vote for someone like that could you?
How very wrong I was, how very, very low the bar has gone.
Once was incomprehensible, twice is beyond the pale.
I felt the same David. I clearly remember hearing that audio and thinking that’s it, he’s done! Apparently not. Apparently it’s ok to hang out with pedophilles, be convicted of sexual abuse and be the president of the ‘free world’.
Well it’s not ok. And there is no excuse for voting for Trump or for treating the Epstein files as salacious gossip rather than the criminal evidence they actually are..
The problem with sick photos like that one of AMW is they have a shock to them and it becomes more of a reaction to the photos rather than justice for the victims. And the length of time that man has been in denial/getting away with it.
And too late for some of the victims. It seems accepted that Virginia took her own life after a bizarre incident. Did she really?
Exactly Zena… the whole ‘release the files’ thing is turning into some vile circus where grotesque images are flaunted but abusers are still walking free.
Virginia spoke openly about what happened on that Island, she should know, she was there. Why did nobody act on that? And why is she dead now despite saying she would never kill herself?
It's all so awful isn't it. I can see where he's coming from because people *just do not care*, but on the reverse, no-one will EVER care if we don't keep pushing for fair treatment.
I saw someone else write "when are we going to stop saying not all men and accept that the majority are dangerous" and I have to say, this Epstein business is pushing me to want to caveat the "not all men" thinking with "but a bloody terrifying amount of them" – it's very scary. I fear for young girls.
I know Charlotte. I was arguing with the guy but a part of me was thinking if a known and proven sexual offender can ascend to one of the most powerful positions in the world then the rights of women and girls must count for so very little.
I keep banging the drum because I don’t want men’s predatory behaviour to slip even further into ‘normality’. This is not normal. This is not acceptable or inevitable. We are just being conditioned into thinking so.
I’ll keep banging the drum. I have daughters. I can’t not … it’s hard sometimes to believe we can make a difference but even just writing about and discussing these issues creates a different kind of energy around them. A woman centred one.
Thank you so much for continuing on the conversation ✌️
Unfortunately I don't think we'll ever get the full list of names because of who runs the US. I have no trust in their honesty whatsoever. It was clear to me from the start that a lot of people's names would be redacted simply because of the power they hold in the US government, mentioning no names.
Of course it's vitally important that everything is released, I just think we're only being allowed to see select parts of the files. How can the victims get justice if they won't release the entire thing? (Redactions of victims aside, obvs).
I agree Suze. Release the whole files, not the parts that shine a light on disgusting Andrew or vile Mandelson… as hideous as that pair are, there are many other names in those files. All of them need to be prosecuted but when the leader of the free world 🍊is named in the files, how can justice ever be served?
There’s a long way to go but we are on the way at least. Should change happen quicker? Absolutely. But there is change so please keep the faith that we will get there. It isn’t so long ago that this behaviour was deemed normal… now it is not. I see it in many of the younger generation in how they interact with each other - they are moving far away from the world we came from and are finding one of inclusivity and respect no matter of gender. I believe there is hope and the release of these documents are moving things forward. These ‘revelations’ are no revelation when you have lived as a woman for over 50 years but to men they are defining… and many are quaking in their boots because they know their time is up!
Absolutely agree that as a woman of 50 plus years, there are no revelations… we have a lifetime of experience of how low some men will go.
I can’t help thinking though if this amount of evidence was produced against a local school teacher or your average guy in the street, he would be behind bars by now.
I’m trying to keep the faith, I’m always banging the drum but when I see Andrew Mountbatten Whats-his-face trotting around a country estate and Trump fawning over his wife’s latest cinematic vanity project, it’s hard to believe justice will ever be done. But I am trying to stay positive.
That tension between documentation and accountability really cuts deep. I rememmber feeling similar when corporate fraud cases roll out with thousands of pages of evidence, then somehow end with settlements where nobody admits wrongdoing. The evidence becomes performative instead of prosecutorial, which might be what that protestor was gettingg at.
‘Performative and not prosecutorial’- exactly this, with the victims being re-victimized for the purpose of global gossip mongering rather than meaningful accountability and punishing of perpetrators.
This is certainly a watershed moment, Rebecca. Desperately hoping it’s the beginning of change, fearful that it may not be. But we will never give up xx
Thank you for this. You stopped me in my tracks. Naive me, I assumed that after the release of the documents it was common sense to prosecute the offenders outed within those pages. Obviously, I was wrong. Isn’t that an utter condemnation of our society and its rape culture? How foolish of me to think Me Too was a turning point.
I’ve had it. Lysistrata this thing! Women need to go on strike in more than just a sexual capacity. All capacities if necessary. A coordinated worldwide strike! Enough! We are not commodities or mere receptacles for ejaculate. We must demand dominion over our own bodies. We must demand that our testimony be heard, taken seriously and acted upon. We make up over half the population. Let’s use that power to make this world better for those who come after us. But…what the hell do I know? I believed the release of the Access Hollywood tape would end Trump.
I like you was naive enough to think that statements and evidence would lead to arrests and prosecutions.
All I’ve seen recently is Andrew Mountbatten-hideous-face trotting round on horseback! Seriously, on horseback! Why is he not on remand awaiting trial? Him and his cabal.
The files contain millions of pieces of information… millions. You’re telling me you don’t have enough evidence with ‘millions’ of documents/emails/photos and videos. Not to mention the testimonies of the women (then girls) who were there.
Call a strike and call it quick. We have suffered for long enough Sherri.
I wish I had the following to call for it and be heard. But I’m willing to keep saying it! I wanted it after Kavanaugh was confirmed and the FBI didn’t even bother to investigate. I wanted it when I heard of women dying because they couldn’t get care after SCOTUS betrayed women by trashing Roe v Wade despite those same judges testifying to congress that it was the law of the land. Here in Canada, when the Hockey Canada juniors were not convicted of rape, I called for women to strike. I’m a voice in the wilderness. Powerless like so many of my sisters. Sorry.
No need to apologise. Our power lies in our collective state, standing together, calling out the injustices, fighting for those who can't. Don't feel alone in the wilderness, there are so many of us banging the drum for better, we are grateful for the noise you add to the cause.
You speak for me, Rebecca. That picture of Andrew kneeling over the girl is horrific, and she is a girl, not yet a woman as the Beeb keeps calling her. Thank you for writing. I'm catapulted back by all this to my own sexual abuse at the hands of older men. I feel shaken to the core.
Oh Sue, it’s so sickening is it and so triggering. I don’t want to write about Andrew Mountbatten-hideous-face. I shouldn’t have to. He should be behind bars, on remand at least along with the rest of his abuser cabal. How much evidence is actually needed before prosecutions are actually made? It’s all so appalling. I’m sending you hugs Sue and mentally tucking into a couple of your homemade hobnobs… women need other women to get us through things like this, has always been the case and always will be. X
Thank you for writing this. There is not enough noise and anger about this, especially here on Substack where everything is mostly peachy peachy. Our children deserve better.
So much better Brooke. So much evidence, so many testimonies and yet the only person behind bars is Ghislaine Maxwell (and I’m not sure how long even she will remain there) … how can that be right? What message is that giving out to the world? Was that guy right? Will releasing the files make any difference? I’ll do all that I can to make sure this is the turning point we all need.
I agree with you, Rebecca. They should all be prosecuted. The more I hear about the files the more I am convinced that the corruption runs deeper than men and young girls. Epstein seems to be in the middle of international intrigue, money laundering and influence peddling. It reads like a John Le Carré novel.
It feels more like The Handmaids Tale to me Wayne. Women and girls used, abused and reduced to vehicles of male folly.
Prosecute. Prosecute. Prosecute.
I need a new sign 🪧
I stand with you and all survivors.
We stand together Susan and I know there are many more of out there. ✌️
Of course they should be prosecuted and if they are not we live in a more sick and unsafe world than many of us hope for. Thank you for your courage. Keep going. Also, can Canadians write to US congress people?
Thanks for your comment Ruth… afraid I don’t know about writing to Congress.. I’m British 🇬🇧
The global pipeline and system allowing rich ,powerful leaders, entertainment moguls, universities, foreign politicians that have used Epstein as a gateway to participate in self dealing , along with participating in sex trafficking yes absolutely should be exposed . Over a decade old. The unknown is to what end, what does justice look like who will champion it.
Great questions Frances and a great summary of this heinous situation.
The damage that the released files seem to inflict sadly seems to be more pain for the victims. They were not properly redacted so once again they were violated, their choice was removed. The outrage in the media has been redirected to Mandelson, whilst obviously corrupt it has taken the story away from the women & girls. Any consequences for him is heaping more shame on women, our justice, our bodies are not worth more than some leaked information. The outrage in the commons over a gay man leaking information when a former prince is photographed over what appears to be a defeated girl. He continues to ride around the country with his freedom and pomp intact is heinous. The continued trampling and disregard for women and girls is unbearable.
Absolutely Emily. As much as I despise Mandelson and Andrew, they were not the only big names in the files and although they are deservedly taking a lot of heat, neither has been charged with any crime and both are still living a life of privilege.
Surely the point was to release the files to secure prosecutions against the accused (including Trump) and gain some form of justice for the victims?. If not, why bother? To further shame and humiliate the victims ? To provide more grisly column inches in the national press? That’s not what I marched for and not what justice looks like.
After the "grab them by the pussy" tape was played it was pretty obvious that his run for the presidency was over. After all if you have a sister, daughter, wife, heck if you have a mother you couldn't possibly vote for someone like that could you?
How very wrong I was, how very, very low the bar has gone.
Once was incomprehensible, twice is beyond the pale.
I felt the same David. I clearly remember hearing that audio and thinking that’s it, he’s done! Apparently not. Apparently it’s ok to hang out with pedophilles, be convicted of sexual abuse and be the president of the ‘free world’.
Well it’s not ok. And there is no excuse for voting for Trump or for treating the Epstein files as salacious gossip rather than the criminal evidence they actually are..
The problem with sick photos like that one of AMW is they have a shock to them and it becomes more of a reaction to the photos rather than justice for the victims. And the length of time that man has been in denial/getting away with it.
And too late for some of the victims. It seems accepted that Virginia took her own life after a bizarre incident. Did she really?
Exactly Zena… the whole ‘release the files’ thing is turning into some vile circus where grotesque images are flaunted but abusers are still walking free.
Virginia spoke openly about what happened on that Island, she should know, she was there. Why did nobody act on that? And why is she dead now despite saying she would never kill herself?
It's all so awful isn't it. I can see where he's coming from because people *just do not care*, but on the reverse, no-one will EVER care if we don't keep pushing for fair treatment.
I saw someone else write "when are we going to stop saying not all men and accept that the majority are dangerous" and I have to say, this Epstein business is pushing me to want to caveat the "not all men" thinking with "but a bloody terrifying amount of them" – it's very scary. I fear for young girls.
I know Charlotte. I was arguing with the guy but a part of me was thinking if a known and proven sexual offender can ascend to one of the most powerful positions in the world then the rights of women and girls must count for so very little.
I keep banging the drum because I don’t want men’s predatory behaviour to slip even further into ‘normality’. This is not normal. This is not acceptable or inevitable. We are just being conditioned into thinking so.
I’ll keep banging the drum. I have daughters. I can’t not … it’s hard sometimes to believe we can make a difference but even just writing about and discussing these issues creates a different kind of energy around them. A woman centred one.
Thank you so much for continuing on the conversation ✌️
Unfortunately I don't think we'll ever get the full list of names because of who runs the US. I have no trust in their honesty whatsoever. It was clear to me from the start that a lot of people's names would be redacted simply because of the power they hold in the US government, mentioning no names.
Of course it's vitally important that everything is released, I just think we're only being allowed to see select parts of the files. How can the victims get justice if they won't release the entire thing? (Redactions of victims aside, obvs).
I agree Suze. Release the whole files, not the parts that shine a light on disgusting Andrew or vile Mandelson… as hideous as that pair are, there are many other names in those files. All of them need to be prosecuted but when the leader of the free world 🍊is named in the files, how can justice ever be served?
There’s a long way to go but we are on the way at least. Should change happen quicker? Absolutely. But there is change so please keep the faith that we will get there. It isn’t so long ago that this behaviour was deemed normal… now it is not. I see it in many of the younger generation in how they interact with each other - they are moving far away from the world we came from and are finding one of inclusivity and respect no matter of gender. I believe there is hope and the release of these documents are moving things forward. These ‘revelations’ are no revelation when you have lived as a woman for over 50 years but to men they are defining… and many are quaking in their boots because they know their time is up!
Absolutely agree that as a woman of 50 plus years, there are no revelations… we have a lifetime of experience of how low some men will go.
I can’t help thinking though if this amount of evidence was produced against a local school teacher or your average guy in the street, he would be behind bars by now.
I’m trying to keep the faith, I’m always banging the drum but when I see Andrew Mountbatten Whats-his-face trotting around a country estate and Trump fawning over his wife’s latest cinematic vanity project, it’s hard to believe justice will ever be done. But I am trying to stay positive.
That tension between documentation and accountability really cuts deep. I rememmber feeling similar when corporate fraud cases roll out with thousands of pages of evidence, then somehow end with settlements where nobody admits wrongdoing. The evidence becomes performative instead of prosecutorial, which might be what that protestor was gettingg at.
‘Performative and not prosecutorial’- exactly this, with the victims being re-victimized for the purpose of global gossip mongering rather than meaningful accountability and punishing of perpetrators.
This is certainly a watershed moment, Rebecca. Desperately hoping it’s the beginning of change, fearful that it may not be. But we will never give up xx
We will never give up Maureen, for the sake of generations to come we simply can’t. I’ll keep banging the drum 🥁, so glad you are listening. Xx
Will always be here xx
🤗
Thank you for this. You stopped me in my tracks. Naive me, I assumed that after the release of the documents it was common sense to prosecute the offenders outed within those pages. Obviously, I was wrong. Isn’t that an utter condemnation of our society and its rape culture? How foolish of me to think Me Too was a turning point.
I’ve had it. Lysistrata this thing! Women need to go on strike in more than just a sexual capacity. All capacities if necessary. A coordinated worldwide strike! Enough! We are not commodities or mere receptacles for ejaculate. We must demand dominion over our own bodies. We must demand that our testimony be heard, taken seriously and acted upon. We make up over half the population. Let’s use that power to make this world better for those who come after us. But…what the hell do I know? I believed the release of the Access Hollywood tape would end Trump.
I’m ready for the strike Sherri!
I like you was naive enough to think that statements and evidence would lead to arrests and prosecutions.
All I’ve seen recently is Andrew Mountbatten-hideous-face trotting round on horseback! Seriously, on horseback! Why is he not on remand awaiting trial? Him and his cabal.
The files contain millions of pieces of information… millions. You’re telling me you don’t have enough evidence with ‘millions’ of documents/emails/photos and videos. Not to mention the testimonies of the women (then girls) who were there.
Call a strike and call it quick. We have suffered for long enough Sherri.
I wish I had the following to call for it and be heard. But I’m willing to keep saying it! I wanted it after Kavanaugh was confirmed and the FBI didn’t even bother to investigate. I wanted it when I heard of women dying because they couldn’t get care after SCOTUS betrayed women by trashing Roe v Wade despite those same judges testifying to congress that it was the law of the land. Here in Canada, when the Hockey Canada juniors were not convicted of rape, I called for women to strike. I’m a voice in the wilderness. Powerless like so many of my sisters. Sorry.
No need to apologise. Our power lies in our collective state, standing together, calling out the injustices, fighting for those who can't. Don't feel alone in the wilderness, there are so many of us banging the drum for better, we are grateful for the noise you add to the cause.
You speak for me, Rebecca. That picture of Andrew kneeling over the girl is horrific, and she is a girl, not yet a woman as the Beeb keeps calling her. Thank you for writing. I'm catapulted back by all this to my own sexual abuse at the hands of older men. I feel shaken to the core.
Oh Sue, it’s so sickening is it and so triggering. I don’t want to write about Andrew Mountbatten-hideous-face. I shouldn’t have to. He should be behind bars, on remand at least along with the rest of his abuser cabal. How much evidence is actually needed before prosecutions are actually made? It’s all so appalling. I’m sending you hugs Sue and mentally tucking into a couple of your homemade hobnobs… women need other women to get us through things like this, has always been the case and always will be. X
Correct, "they" don't care ... WE care and that's enough!
Absolutely we care and collectively our voice will be deafening ✌️
Thank you for writing this. There is not enough noise and anger about this, especially here on Substack where everything is mostly peachy peachy. Our children deserve better.
So much better Brooke. So much evidence, so many testimonies and yet the only person behind bars is Ghislaine Maxwell (and I’m not sure how long even she will remain there) … how can that be right? What message is that giving out to the world? Was that guy right? Will releasing the files make any difference? I’ll do all that I can to make sure this is the turning point we all need.