A former Italian model who was among the first women to publicly accuse Jeffrey Epstein of sexual misconduct has mysteriously disappeared in New York. Elisabetta Tai Ferretto, 50, originally from Montagnana in northern Italy, has not been heard from since April 22 after returning to the United States.
Background of the Disappearance
Ferretto, who has resided in New York since 2001, traveled back to the Veneto region at the beginning of April to visit her parents and brother. After returning to Manhattan, her daily communication with her family abruptly ceased. The former model's loved ones report that phone calls go unanswered, and her social media profiles appear to have been deactivated or deleted.
Family and Authorities Involved
Her family reported her missing to prosecutors in Rovigo, Italy, who opened a case due to her status as an Italian citizen abroad. The case has also been forwarded to Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has activated diplomatic channels with U.S. authorities. American officials are now investigating, but Ferretto has not yet been found safe and well.
Ferretto's Allegations Against Epstein
Ferretto worked in fashion after moving to the United States and later transitioned into New York real estate. Her name emerged publicly in 2019 when she spoke about an alleged encounter with Epstein in 2004. She claimed she was introduced to Epstein through her agent, who said he could help her work with major brands. The agent proposed she meet a man 'who would change her life,' allowing her to model for Victoria's Secret. That man was Epstein, a trusted friend and financial advisor to Leslie Wexner, owner of Victoria's Secret.
Ferretto went to what she believed would be a professional meeting at Epstein's Upper East Side mansion. Instead, she was greeted by Ghislaine Maxwell and taken to his office, where Epstein undressed and lay on a massage table. She rejected him and fled the property. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in a New York jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Ongoing Investigation
Ferretto's family stated she remained in regular contact until the day she disappeared, describing the silence as completely out of character. No confirmed sightings or official explanation for her disappearance have been made public.
