Celebs who’ve been named in Epstein files – and what it actually means

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex-trafficking charges. Since then, a large collection of documents connected to his crimes has continued to surface.

On 12 November, the U.S. House Oversight Committee released 20,000 pages of material tied to Epstein. Additional files are expected after a Senate vote ordered the Justice Department to disclose more information by 19 December.

The newly released evidence includes emails, flight logs, court documents, and details about Epstein’s death in prison. Authorities say even more data—40 computers, dozens of storage devices, and around 300GB of digital material—has yet to be made public. About 60 physical items reportedly list visitors to Epstein’s private island, where he abused underage girls.

Numerous high-profile figures from politics and royalty appear in the documents. Prince Andrew is mentioned the most, though he denies all allegations. Mentions of Sarah Ferguson, Queen Camilla, and Princess Diana do not imply personal ties to Epstein. References to politicians such as Nigel Farage, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump mostly stem from news reports or unrelated correspondence.

Celebrities from entertainment also appear, though without evidence of personal involvement. Names like Elton John, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Adele, Colin Firth, and Chris Tucker surface mainly through articles, emails, or Epstein’s address book.

Other references include Ghislaine Maxwell, her father Robert Maxwell, scientists Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins, footballer David Beckham, model Naomi Campbell, broadcaster Piers Morgan, and stylist Frédéric Fekkai—none linked to wrongdoing.

Overall, being named in the documents does not mean an individual was involved in Epstein’s crimes. Many mentions come from media coverage, indirect references, or administrative exchanges. Epstein’s suicide in 2019 ended his case before it could be tried in court.