Judge Engelmayer Seeks Details Before Epstein Grand Jury Files Release

A federal judge in New York has ordered a fresh review of sealed documents in a defamation case involving Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell, ruling that the lower court applied the wrong standard in keeping these documents sealed. This move follows Attorney General Pam Bondi's request to unseal grand jury transcripts related to the 2019 sex trafficking indictments against Jeffrey Epstein and the 2020 indictments against Maxwell. US District Judge Paul Engelmayer, overseeing the DOJ's request, has demanded additional details before releasing the documents, including the identity of those seeking disclosure and input from Maxwell and any victims potentially identified in the files. The Trump administration, emphasizing transparency, has pushed for the release amid public and congressional demands for clarity on Epstein's clients and the investigation. Maxwell, convicted of child sex trafficking, has opposed unsealing, but the DOJ is engaging with her to discuss potential disclosures. The controversy over Epstein's client list and related secrecy has also affected legislative proceedings in the House of Representatives.