Epstein Survivors Say Financier Lured Them With Promises of College Education

Survivors of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein have said he lured them into his trafficking network by promising financial support for college education, according to new court filings and survivor testimonies that have renewed scrutiny of how the abuse was carried out.

Several women stated that when they were teenagers, Epstein presented himself as a powerful benefactor who could help them escape financial hardship. They said he offered to pay tuition fees, cover living expenses, or connect them with influential people who could secure their admission to universities. According to the survivors, these promises were used to build trust before they were subjected to sexual abuse.

The accounts were detailed in legal proceedings linked to civil lawsuits seeking compensation from Epstein’s estate. Survivors described how the prospect of education was particularly persuasive for young girls from vulnerable backgrounds, many of whom lacked access to higher education opportunities. They said the promises often never materialized or were used as leverage to maintain control.

Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, had long portrayed himself as a philanthropist with an interest in education and science.

Prosecutors have previously said that the image helped him gain access to young victims and shielded him from suspicion for years.

Lawyers representing the survivors said the new statements underscore the calculated nature of Epstein’s abuse and the long-term impact on victims’ lives, including disrupted education, trauma, and lost opportunities. They argued that understanding how victims were recruited is essential for accountability and prevention.

The renewed attention comes as courts continue to oversee settlements and claims involving Epstein’s estate, with judges emphasizing the importance of centering survivor voices in the process.

Advocates said the testimonies highlight the need for stronger protections for young people and greater oversight of powerful individuals who position themselves as mentors or benefactors.

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press (AP), BBC News, The Guardian