Jeffrey Epstein trial: Influential millionaire financier accused of abusing dozens of teenagers settles lawsuit
Deal comes hours before jury selection yet to begin
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A settlement has been reached in a long-running lawsuit involving financier Jeffrey Epstein, who has been accused of sexually abusing a number of teenage girls.
A lawyer for Epstein read an apology from him to attorney Bradley Edwards, who represents some victims. Mr Edwards claimed Epstein tried to damage his reputation by suing him.
“What happened today was a win,” said Mr Edwards at a news conference after the settlement was announced in Palm Beach, Florida.
The deal came just before jury selection was to begin on Tuesday and for now, it means none of the victims of Jeffrey Epstein will be able to testify.
The 65-year-old Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to state sex charges, served a year in jail and became a registered sex offender. But in a secret deal with federal prosecutors led by now-Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta,
Epstein avoided a possible life term, and victims were not heard from in court.
“This agreement will not be made part of any public record,” the deal between Epstein and Mr Acosta said. But it became public in 2015, when the document was unsealed by a federal judge in a civil lawsuit.
Associated Press contributed to this report
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments