Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has made a striking declaration to viewers of Fox News, stating that it is "not a crime to party" with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comment came during an interview with Laura Ingraham on her show The Ingraham Angle, where Blanche addressed the ongoing fallout from the release of millions of documents related to Epstein's case.
Blanche's Remarks on Prosecutions and Evidence
In his conversation with Ingraham, Blanche suggested that some evidence contained within the Epstein files might not be sufficient to lead to criminal prosecutions. He emphasised the legal distinction between social interactions and criminal activities, stating, "But, as you know, it is not a crime to party with Mr Epstein. And so, as horrible as it is, it's not a crime to email with Mr Epstein."
Blanche further explained, "And some of these men may have done horrible things. And, if we have evidence that allows us to prosecute them, you better believe we will. But it's also the kind of thing that the American people need to understand that it isn't a crime to party with Mr Epstein. It isn't a crime to have lunch on his island."
Context of the Epstein Files Release
The Justice Department has recently released a massive trove of documents, adding to the public record of Epstein's extensive network. This latest dump, expected to be the final one, includes approximately three million pages, with 180,000 images and 2,000 videos, bringing the total released documents to 3.5 million. The release has sparked a public firestorm, shedding light on the connections between Epstein and numerous high-profile figures from various sectors.
High-Profile Revelations and Reactions
The documents have unveiled several shocking details, including the possibility that Epstein fathered a child around 15 years ago. They also contain emails from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince, inviting Epstein to Buckingham Palace years after Epstein's conviction for sex crimes. Undated images show the royal in compromising positions, leading British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to state that Andrew "should be prepared" to testify before Congress about his links to Epstein.
Other notable revelations include:
- Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the U.S., resigned from the Labour Party after more correspondence with Epstein emerged, though he denies claims of financial transactions.
- Messages from billionaire Elon Musk inquiring about Epstein's parties and using phrases like "girls FTW!" though Musk is not accused of wrongdoing.
- Norway's prime minister criticising Crown Princess Mette-Marit for her "poor judgment" in maintaining a friendship with Epstein post-conviction.
- Bill and Hillary Clinton agreeing to testify in a House investigation into Epstein, reversing their previous stance.
Blanche's Evasive Stance on Photos and Evidence
When pressed by Ingraham about whether photos in the files suggest more than just socialising, Blanche was evasive. He remarked, "Unfortunately, photos can't speak. And so we need witnesses and we need evidence," noting that all videos from the files have been released. However, he clarified, "Not of any individuals, men having improper sex or anything with victims. But there's videos. They're all released for everybody to see."
This stance aligns with comments from former President Donald Trump, who has previously acknowledged moving in similar social circles as Epstein but claimed no knowledge of his criminal activities. The ongoing document releases continue to damage reputations and careers, highlighting the complex legal and social implications of Epstein's network.
