In the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, public apologies from influential figures have become a familiar refrain. Yet, for those who work directly with survivors of human trafficking, these words often ring hollow. Bridgette Carr, a clinical professor at the University of Michigan Law School and a sex trafficking expert with over 15 years of experience, asserts that while acknowledging mistakes is important, it falls far short of what is needed to address the enduring harm inflicted on victims.
The Predictable Script of Power and Wealth
Carr, who served as an expert witness in litigation against JPMorgan Chase related to Epstein's activities, has spent months poring over the extensive documents from the case. She describes a disturbing pattern where wealth and power were weaponized to enable exploitation for decades. Epstein's network, she notes, used financial resources to silence victims through legal settlements and nondisclosure agreements, while the influence of his associates lent an air of legitimacy that stifled internal dissent.
The Limits of Apology in a Digital Age
When Bill Gates recently apologized for his association with Epstein, stating it was a "huge mistake" but denying any illicit involvement, Carr felt a sense of exhaustion rather than surprise. She emphasizes that apologies, while necessary, are insufficient because they cost nothing and do little to alleviate the ongoing struggles of survivors. The real issue, she argues, lies in the tangible consequences faced by these women today.
With the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in late 2025, over 3 million pages of documents were released, aiming for transparency. However, botched redactions by the justice department have exposed the identities and traumatic stories of numerous victims, making them searchable online. Attorneys representing more than 200 survivors have condemned this as a severe violation of privacy, leaving these women vulnerable in every aspect of their lives, from job applications to personal relationships.
A Call for Action Beyond Words
Carr points out that individuals like Bill Gates, with a net worth of $100 billion and access to advanced technology, have the means to make a real difference. They could fund efforts to restore digital privacy for survivors, support legal work to remove records from the internet, and provide resources for long-term recovery. This, she insists, is a moral obligation for anyone of means who was connected to Epstein's world, transcending legal accountability.
In her work representing hundreds of trafficking survivors, Carr has observed that the harm extends far beyond the initial exploitation, echoing through legal and digital systems. The women affected are not mere abstractions; they are mothers, professionals, and community members whose full lives deserve recognition beyond their victimization.
As the public hears more apologies and carefully crafted denials, Carr concludes that what is missing is concrete action from those with the resources to help. An apology, she notes, costs nothing—and that is precisely why it is not enough. The survivors of Epstein's crimes need more than words; they need support to rebuild their lives and reclaim their privacy in an increasingly digital world.
