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After eight years of litigation, a federal judge has ordered the release of the case files related to a lawsuit Virginia Giuffre brought against convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre sued Maxwell for defamation in 2015 after Maxwell accused her of lying about being abused by Epstein, Maxwell, and other figures. The case never went to trial: Maxwell ultimately settled with Giuffre for somewhere between $3 and $5 million. In the wake of the settlement, the judge sealed all the documents, claiming they contained private and sensitive information. Although some of those records were eventually released in 2019 and 2024, journalist Julie K. Brown (whose investigative work was critical to breaking the Epstein story open) and her employer, the Miami Herald continued to fight in court for the release of the full case file. The new ruling means the DOJ now has to release the remaining files, although whether it will comply without another fight is a different question. As we’ve seen in Katie Phang’s lawsuit, Attorney General Todd Blanche doesn’t always feel beholden to the law — or to court orders — when it comes to releasing Epstein-related records.
Here’s what else you need to know:
Leading Stories from The Cover-Up
7 Takeaways From New Report On Epstein’s Zorro Ranch
Below the Beltway’s Camaron Stevenson examines why authorities didn’t search Epstein’s Zorro Ranch until last year, despite abuse being reported on the property as early as 1996. Watch now on YouTube & Instagram.
Epstein survivors criticize Sen. Cornyn for supporting Blanche for AG
Courier Texas’ Ricky Longoria looks at Texas Sen. John Cornyn’s pivotal vote to confirm Epstein cover-up architect Todd Blanche as Attorney General. Watch now on Instagram.
New Mexico AG says Trump admin is ‘stonewalling’ Epstein investigation
Courier New Mexico covers NM Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s accusation that AG Todd Blanche and the Trump administration are stonewalling investigations into Epstein’s New Mexico property. Watch now on Facebook.
Rep. Comer plans to pressure DOJ to reopen Epstein investigation
Hellbender Newsroom looks into claims made by House Oversight Committee chair Rep. James Comer that he will pressure the DOJ to reopen its Epstein investigation. Watch now on Instagram.
Survivors rallied against the US Senate confirming Todd Blanche as the next US attorney general
The Copper Courier covers Rep. Yassamin Ansari’s criticism of AG Todd Blanche’s handling of the Epstein Files and how he has repeatedly failed survivors. Read now on Facebook.
Headlines to Know
Fears for Mandelson investigation as Met still doesn’t have unredacted Epstein files The Independent, Amy-Clare Martin, 08/22/26
The Epstein scandal could unite us if we’re brave enough to face it The Press Democrat, Steven Bradley, 08/21/26
Epstein-linked chair of Malaysian port operator was picked for his expertise, parent firm says Reuters, Yantoultra Ngui and Rozanna Latiff, 08/20/26
Epstein client Leon Black threatened with contempt by House panel chair The Guardian, Stephanie Kirchgaessner, 08/19/26
Epstein victims’ suit against FBI poised to survive dismissal, for now Courthouse News Service, Sydney Haulenbeek, 08/18/26
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