Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The global fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case has intensified following the release of millions of pages of newly published U.S. government documents, reviving scrutiny of one of the most far-reaching sex trafficking scandals in modern history and implicating prominent figures across politics, royalty, business, and international diplomacy.
The latest disclosures, released by the U.S. Department of Justice after a delay of more than a month past the official deadline, include more than three million pages of investigative material, nearly 2,000 video clips, and around 180,000 photographs. U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described the publication as the culmination of an extensive review process aimed at ensuring transparency, though officials cautioned that the revelations may not necessarily lead to new criminal charges.
Despite Epstein’s death in 2019 he was found hanged in his jail cell while awaiting trial, the documents have reopened public debate over the scope of his network and the extent of his relationships with powerful individuals worldwide.
Embarrassment for European Royalty
Among the most striking names to emerge is Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, wife of Crown Prince Haakon and future queen. Norwegian media report that her name appears more than 1,000 times in the released files. Private messages exchanged between Epstein and the princess between 2011 and 2014 suggest a level of personal familiarity that has sparked public controversy.
In one message, Epstein wrote that he was in Paris “looking for a wife,” to which Mette-Marit reportedly replied that the French capital was “good for infidelity,” adding a remark praising Scandinavian women. In other exchanges, she thanked Epstein for sending flowers while she was unwell, signing off with “with love.”
The Norwegian royal household later acknowledged what it described as a “serious lapse in judgment,” with the princess expressing deep regret over any contact with Epstein. While no allegations of criminal conduct have been made, the revelations have intensified debate in Norway over transparency and accountability within the monarchy.
Olympic Official Issues Apology
In the United States, the documents have also drawn in Casey Wasserman, chairman of the organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Released emails show that Wasserman exchanged what he later described as “inappropriate” messages roughly two decades ago with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate who is currently serving a prison sentence for sex trafficking–related crimes.
Wasserman issued a public apology, expressing regret over the correspondence and stressing that it occurred long before his involvement with the Olympic movement. Organizers have so far maintained that the disclosures will not affect preparations for the Games, though the controversy has added pressure on Olympic leadership to address reputational concerns.
Political Shockwaves in Slovakia and Britain
In Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico accepted the resignation of his adviser Miroslav Lajčák after text messages from 2018 surfaced in which Epstein allegedly promised to “arrange women” for him. The resignation has sparked political turbulence, with opposition figures calling for broader investigations into potential foreign influence and misconduct within government circles.
In the United Kingdom, the scandal has resurfaced around former Labour Party heavyweight Peter Mandelson, a former British ambassador to Washington. Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party, citing a desire to avoid further embarrassment, after new questions emerged about his past ties to Epstein.
Mandelson faces scrutiny over financial transfers totaling £75,000 received by him and his partner, as well as allegations that he intervened with the British government in 2009 to oppose a proposed tax on bankers’ bonuses at Epstein’s request. Mandelson has denied wrongdoing, described the allegations as false, and said he would cooperate with any investigation. Labour officials welcomed his departure, while the Conservative Party has called for an independent inquiry.
Renewed Pressure on Prince Andrew
The newly released materials have also reignited pressure on Prince Andrew, the brother of King Charles III, who appears in previously unseen undated photographs described by British media as deeply embarrassing. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has renewed calls for Prince Andrew to testify in the United States, intensifying scrutiny of a figure who has already been stripped of his royal and military titles.
Prince Andrew has long denied allegations related to Epstein and previously settled a civil lawsuit in the United States without admitting liability. The fresh disclosures, however, have renewed public and political demands for accountability.
No New Charges Expected, for Now
Despite the shock generated by the documents, senior U.S. Justice Department officials have downplayed the likelihood of new criminal prosecutions. Deputy Attorney General Blanche said that while the images and correspondence are disturbing, the review conducted over recent months did not uncover sufficient legal grounds for additional charges.
Even so, legal experts and human rights advocates argue that the renewed attention highlights systemic failures that allowed Epstein to operate for years with apparent impunity, shielded by wealth, influence, and connections at the highest levels.
As governments, institutions, and individuals continue to respond to the latest revelations, the Epstein case remains a powerful symbol of how abuse, secrecy, and privilege can intersect, leaving long-lasting consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.
