Who was Jeffrey Epstein? Elon Musk revives link with Donald Trump
One name is currently making headlines -- Jeffrey Epstein. This renewed attention began when Elon Musk shared a video on X that appears to show Donald Trump spending time with Epstein. Epstein, who died in 2019, was widely held responsible for a vast sex-trafficking operation involving underage girls and powerful individuals.The son of working-class parents and the grandson of Jewish immigrants, Jeeferey Epstein was born in 1953. He showed early promise in mathematics and music.advertisementHis first real job -- teaching at Manhattan's elite Dalton School -- opened doors he could never have imagined. It was here that he met the man who would change his fortunes: a student's father, Alan "Ace" Greenberg, CEO of Bear Stearns. Epstein soon left the classroom behind for Wall Street, where he climbed quickly, even as details of his financial methods grew hazy.THE MONEY MANAGER WITHOUT A DEGREE
Epstein founded J Epstein and Co. in 1988. He claimed to only take on clients worth more than a billion dollars. The secrecy around his firm was near-total, but it is known that he managed the wealth of retail tycoon Leslie Wexner for decades.This partnership brought him influence, access -- and staggering wealth.He built a global portfolio of mansions, private jets, and even private islands in the US Virgin Islands.advertisementIn Palm Beach in 2005, the veil began to lift. Police began investigating claims that Epstein had abused a 14-year-old girl. What followed was a series of shocking discoveries: hidden cameras, ledgers, and a growing list of young girls who said they had been lured to his mansion under the guise of offering massages.The case should have ended then. But in 2008, Epstein struck a secretive plea deal with federal prosecutors. He served just 13 months in jail -- with a daily work-release provision.It would later be revealed that US attorney Alexander Acosta was advised to go lightly, allegedly due to Epstein's ties to intelligence or powerful individuals. The plea deal silenced many voices for a time, but not forever.THE ISLAND, THE JET AND THE ELITEEpstein's network was unlike any other. His guests included politicians, academics, royals, and presidents. Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Prince Andrew -- these were not fringe associates, but regular names in his travel logs.He flew them aboard his private jet, often referred to by locals as the 'Lolita Express.' The island of Little St. James became a place of interest to investigators and journalists alike. Survivors would later describe a world where influence and abuse collided with chilling regularity.advertisementIn 2018, an investigation by the Miami Herald reignited public interest. Journalist Julie K. Brown tracked down over 80 women who alleged abuse by Epstein or his associates. It was a tidal wave that could not be held back. In July 2019, Epstein was arrested at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. He was charged with sex trafficking minors.Held without bail in a Manhattan jail, Epstein was reportedly despondent. On July 23, he was found injured in his cell. Though labelled a suicide attempt, questions lingered. Within weeks, he was taken off suicide watch. On August 10, 2019, Epstein was found dead in his cell.MYSTERIOUS DEATHThe autopsy ruled it suicide by hanging. But faulty security cameras, missing guards, and the removal of his cellmate on the night of his death fed a storm of speculation. His lawyers insisted he was murdered. Others said the truth died with him.In the end, Epstein died as he had lived -- behind closed doors, surrounded by secrets. But the survivors, the journalists, and the public refused to let the silence win. His case reshaped conversations around sexual abuse, justice, and how power hides in plain sight.Must Watch
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Hindustan Times
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