Influencers are travelling to Jeffrey Epstein's private island, Little Saint James, to capitalise on the recent release of Department of Justice documents. Since the start of 2026, at least nine videos featuring content creators exploring the island have been posted online, amassing over 52 million views collectively.
Google Trends data shows searches for 'Epstein Island' and 'Little Saint James' reached an all-time high in February. Jordan-based influencer Ahmad Aburob told NBC News that the latest file release created a trend, prompting YouTubers to visit the island to ride on that trend. Many videos begin with creators flying to St. Thomas, the nearest island with an airport, and speaking to locals for tips before swimming ashore or flying drones over the property.
Some influencers, like Aburob, have set foot on the island, while others, such as prankster Junior Sangare, have opted not to. Sangare told his followers he would return to ding-dong ditch a building and spend the night if his video received 100,000 likes. Many videos focus on a structure dubbed 'the temple,' which appears painted over and boarded up in recent footage. YouTuber Ash Alk described feeling 'weird' inside the building, where 'ungodly things happened.'
Ben Lisi, another creator, searched for underground tunnels after a DOJ filing mentioned a 'trap door' and a 'tunnel,' though he found none. Lisi said he aimed to raise awareness about the case while keeping content 'light-hearted and adventurous' for his younger audience. He hopes his video 'in some small way, can bring justice to the victims.'
The trend is not entirely new; Andy Bracco made a similar video in 2020 that garnered 1.5 million views. He spent over 60 days researching how to access the island discreetly and now advises other creators. Bracco expressed concern that visiting the island 'is going to unfortunately become a bit of a trend.'
