Did the Epstein Files prove the Pizzagate conspiracy theory right?
France 24
by Maya YATAGHENEFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice’s release of Jeffrey Epstein’s massive case files has sparked a wave of online investigation, with some individuals focusing on a seemingly innocuous detail: the word "pizza." Appearing more than 900 times in the documents, this term has been seized upon by Trump supporters as evidence to validate the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. The theory, which gained traction during the 2016 election, claims that Democrats were running a Satanic child sex abuse ring from a Washington D.C. pizzeria. However, despite the high volume of mentions, experts stress that this does not corroborate the baseless allegations.
The Pizzagate narrative, debunked by fact-checkers and law enforcement, originated from an anonymous tip claiming that prominent Democrats were involved in Satanic rituals at Comet Ping Pong, a D.C. pizzeria. While Epstein’s files include mentions of "pizza" in the context of his social circle—friends often referred to themselves as "the pizza guys"—there is no evidence linking this to any criminal activity or satanic rituals. The repeated use of the word has led some to falsely claim it proves the theory, but legal and investigative professionals remain skeptical.
This situation highlights the dangers of conspiracy theories gaining traction in the digital age. While some view the files as a vindication of Pizzagate, others caution against interpreting data out of context. Maya-Anaïs Yataghène, in her Truth or Fake episode, explains why such unfounded claims persist and how they can erode public trust in institutions. The case underscores the importance of fact-checking and critical thinking in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly online.
Ultimately, the Epstein files provide valuable insights into his network and criminal activities but do not support the outlandish claims of Pizzagate. The episode serves as a reminder of how easily conspiracy theories can be amplified by selective interpretation of data, even when no credible evidence exists. For readers interested in politics and the spread of misinformation, understanding these dynamics is crucial in navigating an increasingly complex media landscape.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/19/2026