Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault that some readers may find distressing.
A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein has provided a deeply harrowing account of the abuse she endured at the hands of the convicted sex offender, shedding light on the mechanisms Epstein and his associates used to control and exploit young women.
Juliette Bryant, who was first recruited by Epstein’s associates under the guise of advancing her modeling career, described the fear and manipulation she experienced as she realized the true danger she faced. Speaking to Sky News, Bryant said, “I just freaked out and I suddenly realised these people might kill me. I suddenly realised I had to be nice and friendly as I realised I was in great danger.”
Bryant first encountered Epstein in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2002, when he was touring the country alongside former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Within weeks, she was flown to New York under the promise of career opportunities. A first-year university student at the time, Bryant said she initially believed her “dreams were all coming true” as she hoped to establish herself in the modeling industry.
However, her arrival in the United States quickly turned into a nightmare. Bryant explained that shortly after landing, she was taken to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and informed that she would be traveling to the Caribbean and Epstein’s private island. Onboard Epstein’s Boeing 727-100, the young woman said she was assaulted almost immediately, with women accompanying Epstein observing and laughing.
Bryant recalled, “He patted the chair next to him, and then I went and sat there. It was such a confusing situation for a young person to be in. I was really petrified.” Epstein began forcibly touching her as the plane took off, marking the beginning of a two-year period in which she was repeatedly raped and trafficked to various locations, including Epstein’s private island and his New Mexico ranch.
The survivor also explained that the women who initially recruited her were complicit, presenting themselves as mentors while effectively enabling Epstein’s abuse. She was offered money to recruit other girls and to stay with Epstein—$2,000 to recruit and $4,000 to remain with him—but Bryant refused, stating she did not want to be around him.
Bryant documented the locations of her abuse using a disposable camera she found on the island, capturing images of the spaces where Epstein trafficked and assaulted her. These images, along with emails she sent to Epstein, were later included in the Epstein Files, recently released in unredacted form by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The emails reveal that Bryant remained in contact with Epstein until 2017, often reaching out while intoxicated or in emotional distress. She described the psychological hold Epstein had over her, saying, “Invisible chains is a good way to put it, it was like I was handcuffed invisibly… he was watching me,” which contributed to her sending emails despite the trauma she endured.
Epstein’s death by suicide in August 2019 at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York occurred while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. Bryant’s account underscores the extensive and systematic nature of Epstein’s abuse network, highlighting the role of both powerful enablers and the mechanisms of fear and coercion that kept survivors trapped.
The release of the Epstein Files, which include survivor accounts, emails, photographs, and other documents, has renewed public scrutiny of Epstein’s actions and the complicity of those around him. Bryant’s testimony provides a personal, human perspective on the broader patterns revealed in the documents, illustrating the long-term psychological impact on survivors and the ongoing need for accountability and justice.
Through her recollection, Bryant also emphasized the importance of confronting the realities of trafficking and sexual exploitation, particularly by individuals in positions of wealth and power. She noted that the manipulative tactics used by Epstein and his associates were designed to isolate victims, undermine their agency, and maintain control over them, a pattern common in organized sexual exploitation cases.
While Bryant’s story is just one among many, it demonstrates the dangers of predator networks that operate with impunity and the difficulty survivors face in navigating post-trauma contact with their abuser. Her decision to share her experience publicly contributes to greater awareness and underscores the significance of survivor voices in understanding and dismantling such abusive systems.
The release of the Epstein Files and survivor testimonies like Bryant’s have intensified calls for comprehensive reforms in how law enforcement, prosecutors, and institutions handle sexual exploitation cases. Advocates stress that public transparency and survivor support are critical to preventing future abuses and ensuring that perpetrators, regardless of their social or political standing, are held accountable.
Juliette Bryant’s harrowing account serves as a stark reminder of the severity of Epstein’s crimes and the enduring impact on those he exploited. Her courage in sharing her experiences, alongside the documentation provided in the Epstein Files, continues to inform public understanding of sexual trafficking and the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to persist for years.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
