Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie has publicly named Ex-Prince Andrew and 13 other individuals as alleged "co-conspirators" of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, demanding further investigation into their suspected connections and calling for comprehensive prosecution of those involved in his extensive criminal enterprise. The dramatic announcement on the House floor underscores ongoing efforts to unearth the full scope of Epstein’s illicit activities and bring accountability to his alleged enablers.
The Enduring Shadow of Jeffrey Epstein’s Network
Jeffrey Epstein, a high-profile financier, was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors and died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell a month later, sparking widespread speculation and calls for transparency regarding his powerful associates. His death, officially ruled a suicide, fueled conspiracy theories and intensified demands for the full disclosure of documents related to his vast network. Epstein’s history of leveraging his wealth and connections to engage in the sexual abuse of underage girls had long been a source of public outrage, compounded by a controversial 2008 non-prosecution agreement that shielded him and his alleged co-conspirators from more extensive federal charges. This agreement, orchestrated by then-U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Alexander Acosta, was widely condemned for its leniency and lack of victim consultation. The subsequent federal charges in 2019 represented a renewed, albeit tragically incomplete, pursuit of justice following years of advocacy from survivors.
Massie’s Renewed Push for Transparency and Accountability
Speaking on the House floor on Monday, August 31, Representative Massie (R-KY), 55, highlighted the continued withholding of over three million files pertinent to the Epstein case by the government. His address served as a public launch for a new legislative push: the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. This proposed legislation aims to expand the reach of justice by granting state attorneys general access to the crucial Epstein files, thereby enabling prosecution under state laws. Furthermore, it seeks to simplify the process for survivors to obtain their own files, empowering them in their pursuit of legal recourse and closure. Massie’s initiative builds upon the original Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump in November 2025. That landmark act paved the way for the initial release of millions of documents, yet many believe it did not go far enough to ensure full disclosure and accountability for all involved.
"The government continues to withhold over three million files," Massie stated during his one-minute speech, emphasizing the urgency of his proposed act. "That’s why we’ve introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II, to bring the fight to the state courts, accountability to the Department of Justice and closure for survivors. We want perpetrators of these crimes to be investigated and prosecuted." His remarks underscore a bipartisan frustration with the perceived lack of full transparency and the slow pace of justice for Epstein’s victims.
The Named Individuals: A Diverse List of Alleged Associates
During his floor speech, Representative Massie meticulously read out the names of 14 individuals he believes warrant investigation for their alleged roles as "co-conspirators" in Epstein’s activities. The list included a mix of prominent figures from finance, fashion, entertainment, and royalty, reflecting the extensive reach of Epstein’s network. Beyond Ex-Prince Andrew, the names cited were:
- Jes Staley: A former banking executive, notably the CEO of Barclays and JPMorgan’s private bank, who maintained a close relationship with Epstein.
- Leon Black: A co-founder of Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm, who reportedly paid Epstein substantial sums for financial advice.
- Les Wexner: The billionaire founder of L Brands (Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works), who was Epstein’s primary client and reportedly granted him broad power of attorney over his finances.
- David Copperfield: The world-renowned illusionist, who has faced his own accusations of sexual misconduct unrelated to Epstein but whose name has appeared in connection with Epstein’s circles.
- Lapo Elkann: An Italian businessman and heir to the Fiat automotive empire.
- Tom Pritzker: A billionaire businessman and executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, part of the prominent Pritzker family.
- Glenn Dubin: A hedge fund manager, whose wife, Eva Andersson-Dubin, was a former girlfriend of Epstein.
- Frédéric Fekkai: A French celebrity hairstylist and entrepreneur.
- Eduardo Teodorani: An individual whose connection to Epstein has been less publicly scrutinized than others on the list.
- Jean-Luc Brunel: A French modeling agent who was also accused of sex trafficking and died by suicide in a French prison in 2022 while awaiting trial.
- Daniel Siad: Another individual whose specific ties to Epstein have not been widely detailed in public reports.
- Ramsey Elkholy: An individual whose specific ties to Epstein have not been widely detailed in public reports.
- Lesley Groff: Epstein’s long-time assistant, whose role has been scrutinized in various legal proceedings.
The inclusion of such diverse and high-profile figures on Massie’s list reignites questions about the extent of their knowledge and involvement in Epstein’s alleged crimes, prompting renewed calls for thorough and independent investigations into each individual’s connection to the disgraced financier.
The Case of Ex-Prince Andrew: Royal Ties and Legal Challenges
Ex-Prince Andrew, 66, the Duke of York and second son of Queen Elizabeth II, has long been a central figure in the Epstein scandal due to his well-documented friendship with the financier. His association with Epstein came under intense public and legal scrutiny following allegations of sexual abuse made by Virginia Giuffre. While Andrew has never been formally charged with a crime in the United States, Giuffre accused him in a U.S. court of sexually abusing her on multiple occasions when she was 17, a minor under U.S. law. These alleged encounters reportedly took place in 2001 and 2002, including at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse, in London, and on Epstein’s private island, Little St. James.
Giuffre, a survivor who tragically died by suicide in 2025, filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew in 2021. The suit brought forth graphic allegations that painted a damning picture of his alleged participation in Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. Andrew vehemently denied all allegations, maintaining that he had no recollection of meeting Giuffre and asserting that the photographs purportedly showing them together were doctored. Despite his denials, the scandal severely damaged his reputation and led to his effective removal from royal duties. In February 2022, the civil case was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum of money, with Andrew making no admission of liability. This settlement, however, did little to quell public suspicion or calls for full transparency regarding his conduct.
Massie directly addressed the former royal in his speech, stating, "And Prince Andrew, who committed s– crimes in the U.S." This direct accusation on the House floor, while not a legal indictment, carries significant weight due to its public nature and the forum in which it was made.
Legal Protections and the Power of the House Floor
Representative Massie’s ability to name these individuals publicly and make such strong accusations, particularly against Ex-Prince Andrew, is safeguarded by a crucial constitutional provision: the Speech or Debate Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Article I, Section 6, Clause 1, of the Constitution states that "for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place." This clause provides members of Congress with broad immunity from legal repercussions, such as defamation lawsuits, for statements made during legislative proceedings. The protection is designed to ensure that elected officials can speak freely and vigorously debate matters of public interest without fear of retribution, thereby preserving the integrity and independence of the legislative branch.
This legal shield allows Massie to bring names and allegations into the public discourse in a way that private citizens or even other public officials outside of Congress might not be able to, without facing significant legal risks. It ensures that the issue of Epstein’s network and alleged co-conspirators remains a topic of legislative concern and public scrutiny.
Virginia Giuffre’s Family Speaks Out
The family of Virginia Giuffre has strongly endorsed Representative Massie’s actions. In a statement to The Times, her brothers, Sky Roberts and Daniel Wilson, and her sisters-in-law, Amanda and Lanette, expressed their support for the renewed call for investigation. "Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be investigated for his sexual crimes committed on US soil, not only against our sister Virginia Roberts Giuffre, but also against others of whom we are aware," the family stated, reiterating their belief in the existence of other victims.
The family’s statement further criticized the Department of Justice (DoJ) for its continued retention of a vast number of documents. "Many of the crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein and his collaborators remain in the three million-plus documents that are being illegally held by the DoJ, in spite of the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law. It is time for them to be made public." Their impassioned plea highlights the ongoing struggle for complete disclosure and underscores the profound impact that the withholding of information has on the survivors and their families, who continue to seek justice and a full understanding of the crimes committed.
Broader Implications and the Path Forward
Representative Massie’s naming of Ex-Prince Andrew and others on the House floor serves as a powerful reminder that the legal and ethical ramifications of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal enterprise continue to reverberate years after his death. The push for a second Epstein Files Transparency Act reflects a persistent demand from lawmakers and the public for comprehensive accountability, extending beyond Epstein himself to all individuals who allegedly facilitated or participated in his heinous crimes.
The public naming of these figures, protected by congressional privilege, places renewed pressure on law enforcement agencies, particularly the Department of Justice, to accelerate the release of all relevant documents and to pursue investigations diligently. It also highlights the critical role of legislative action in ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served, providing some measure of closure for the many survivors of Epstein’s abuse and restoring faith in the legal system’s ability to hold powerful individuals accountable, regardless of their status or connections. The fight for full transparency in the Epstein case remains a potent symbol of the broader struggle against human trafficking and the abuse of power.
