The Ezra Klein Show Interesting Times: She Exposed Epstein and Shares MAGA’s Anger
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Dec 2, 2025 
Julie K. Brown, an investigative journalist at the Miami Herald, shares her groundbreaking work that unveiled Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and reignited public scrutiny. She discusses how she became involved after Alex Acosta's nomination raised questions, detailing the influential network that protected Epstein and the systemic failures of the 2008 plea deal. Brown reflects on the staggering scale of abuse, the role of Ghislaine Maxwell, and how the MeToo movement empowered victims to speak out. She calls for continued investigation and justice for those affected.
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How The Investigation Began
- Julie K. Brown started the Epstein investigation while covering prisons and seeking a mystery to solve.
- Her reporting snowballed as victims emerged and sealed records were unredacted over time.
The Plea Deal Hid The Scale
- The 2008 plea deal was narrowly written to minimize charges and hide records from victims and the public.
- That secrecy violated victims' rights and obscured the scope of Epstein's crimes for years.
Legal Networks Shaped Outcomes
- Epstein built a legal 'dream team' with ties to prosecutors, creating a path of least resistance.
- Friendly relationships and relentless legal tactics helped him avoid harsher prosecution.
