Contributor: In all the uproar over Epstein, remember the victims - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Amy WallaceFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article underscores the importance of remembering the victims amidst the chaos surrounding Andrew Epstein's case. It highlights how the media often overlooks the real story—the suffering of the underage girls exploited by Epstein and his associates—preferring to focus on boldface names and political scandals. The author argues that while 3.5 million pages of DOJ files have been released, their disorganization makes it difficult for the public to grasp the full scope of Epstein's crimes. This has led to a situation where the voices of survivors are being drowned out by sensational stories about celebrities and high-ranking officials.
The piece emphasizes that the core issue is not just Epstein's actions but the systemic abuse of power that destroyed lives. It details the harrowing experiences of a 14-year-old girl who was lured into Epstein's mansion, forced to engage in sexual acts, and later faced severe consequences at school. Her story, along with others documented by Florida investigators in 2005-2006, reveals the devastating impact on young lives, many of whom are still grappling with the aftermath two decades later.
The article questions why these victims' struggles continue to be marginalized in the broader narrative. It suggests that the public's attention is shifting toward less impactful stories, such as sexting scandals or market fluctuations, rather than focusing on the human rights violations at the heart of Epstein's empire. This shift risks trivializing the profound suffering of those affected and diverting attention from the pursuit of justice.
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026