The Current These Epstein survivors demanded his files be released and won — but their fight isn't over yet
Dec 12, 2025
Jess Michaels, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse and a public speaker on sexual violence, joins Liz Stein, a survivor mentor and anti-trafficking advocate. They discuss their emotional victory with the Senate passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act and the importance of validating survivors' experiences. Both share insights on grooming tactics and the systemic failures that allowed abuse to persist. The pair emphasizes the power of survivor solidarity and advocates for trauma-informed reforms, highlighting the ongoing fight for justice and accountability.
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Collective Voice Forced Change
- Passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act felt like collective validation for survivors and showed the power of a unified voice.
- Liz Stein and Jess Michaels said the victory was emotional but acknowledged a long fight remains.
Freezing During Assault And Blame
- Jess Michaels described being raped by Jeffrey Epstein at age 22 and freezing during the assault because of trauma.
- She carried self-blame for 27 years until others came forward and she learned freezing is an automatic defensive response.
Grooming In A Retail Encounter
- Liz Stein recounted meeting Ghislaine Maxwell while working retail and being groomed into Epstein's circle at 21.
- She explained responses like fawning and freezing are survival mechanisms that kept victims trapped.