The newly released files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein have caused a major stir in the media and among the public — not surprising, given how closely the case has been scrutinized since his arrest and conviction.

Epstein took his own life in August 2019 while in federal custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. Over the years, rumors swirled about a supposed “client list” containing the names of high-profile individuals, from politicians to celebrities, allegedly connected to his crimes. While many believe this list was used for blackmail, the FBI has stated it has no knowledge of such a document.

Although some Epstein files were released at the end of last year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) recently released over 3 million additional documents in January 2026. For the first time, Congress received a complete list of names mentioned in the files. The DOJ stressed that a name appearing in the documents does not imply wrongdoing. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy Todd Blanche, the names are cited in a “wide variety of contexts,” and no records were withheld to protect reputations, regardless of whether someone was a public figure, official, or foreign dignitary.

Some names on the list are widely known for their connections to Epstein, such as Prince Andrew, who was recently arrested over allegations of sharing confidential information with Epstein. Many others, however, have no documented interactions with him.

As Rep. Ro Khanna pointed out, the inclusion of people like Janis Joplin (who died when Epstein was 17) alongside individuals convicted of sexual crimes, without clarification, is misleading and “absurd.”

Some notable women mentioned in the files include:

• Sarah Ferguson – Appears in relation to travel and social gatherings with Epstein, describing him as her “pillar.” She has largely stayed out of the public eye since the release, reportedly spending time at the exclusive Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich.

• Melinda Gates – Mentioned in relation to charitable work.

• Monica Lewinsky – Briefly mentioned.

• Meghan Markle – Appears in connection to events and guest lists from her acting career.

• Alyssa Milano – Mentioned in event contexts.

Other notable female names in the files: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ashley Biden, Chelsea Clinton, Diana, Princess of Wales, Ghislaine Maxwell, Gloria Allred, Hillary Clinton, Ivanka Trump, Jill Biden, Kamala Harris, Lady Victoria Hervey, Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway, Ariane de Rothschild, Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Nikki Haley, Theresa May, Naomi Campbell, and Princess Sofia, Duchess of Värmland.

The DOJ emphasized again that no wrongdoing is implied by these mentions.

The Epstein scandal remains one of the most politically charged episodes in recent American history. Survivors continue to seek justice, while the public demands answers about how Epstein operated with such apparent impunity.