Joy Behar Calls for Death Penalty for Epstein Associates on The View
Joy Behar, the outspoken host of The View, has made a stark declaration that individuals accused of involvement in Jeffrey Epstein's notorious sex-trafficking ring deserve to face the death penalty. Her impassioned comments came during a panel discussion on Wednesday, as the co-anchors delved into the significance of the latest disclosures from the 'Epstein Files'.
New Names Emerge in Epstein Scandal
The discussion was prompted by the Department of Justice's revelation of previously redacted names of six powerful men once connected to Jeffrey Epstein. This disclosure occurred just one day after it was uncovered that Donald Trump's Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, had visited Epstein's private island in 2012, despite initially insisting he had severed ties with the disgraced financier in 2005.
Lutnick, aged 64, was unmasked in the files, fueling Behar's rage as she addressed the panel. 'No, there’s nothing worse,' Behar stated emphatically regarding pedophilia. 'If you are accused of raping a nine-year-old, a 12-year-old, whatever, there’s nothing worse than that. In fact, I believe in the death penalty for some of these.'
She further elaborated on the culture of secrecy among Epstein's associates, adding: 'Of course they'll cover for each other. Of course they're going to lie - because once that gets out, they are finished. So just accept that they are liars.' It is important to note that the men named have not been formally accused of criminal wrongdoing, but the disproven claims, particularly in Lutnick's case, have raised significant alarms.
Co-Hosts Demand Resignation and Accountability
The pains officials have taken to redact these names have perturbed many, including Behar's co-hosts. Sunny Hostin, a former federal attorney, argued forcefully that Lutnick should either resign or be fired. She called on President Trump, who appointed Lutnick, to take decisive action.
'This is the commerce secretary,' Hostin asserted. 'This is the person that is the chief advisor on the economy to the president, job growth. We’re talking about trade. The fact that he could lie so audaciously means to me that he is not fit for his position. He must resign. We should be collectively calling for his resignation.'
Hostin continued, 'He is unfit, as much of the cabinet is unfit, but he is especially unfit. Resignation is the right thing, and if he doesn’t resign, this guy Lutnick, I think the president is really good at firing people. Remember: "You’re fired! You’re fired!" He needs to fire him.'
Whoopi Goldberg added a metaphorical perspective, stating, 'When you lay down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. Well, the fleas are coming home to roost.' This sentiment echoed the panel's agreement that Lutnick should face consequences for his actions.
Identified Figures and Their Connections
The six men identified this week include:
- Victoria's Secret founder Leslie Wexner, aged 88, who was the only one labeled a co-conspirator by the FBI.
- Emirati billionaire Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.
- Italian politician Nicola Caputo.
- Three lesser-known individuals: Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, and Leonic Leonov.
According to federal files, these individuals corresponded with Epstein on a range of subjects, from business deals and politics to discussions about sex. The revelations have intensified scrutiny on the network of powerful figures who were in Epstein's orbit before his criminal operation was exposed. Epstein, who died in jail, was closely associated with his currently incarcerated accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.
The debate on The View underscores the ongoing public outrage and demand for accountability in the wake of the Epstein scandal, with Behar's call for the death penalty highlighting the extreme emotions this case continues to evoke.
