Survivors Speak Out: Taking On the ‘Epstein Class’

March 9, 2026·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

Jess Michaels, a 1991 Epstein survivor, explains how seeing other victims' stories compelled her to break her silence.

This episode features journalist Kara Swisher interviewing three survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse: Danielle Bensky, Jess Michaels, and Liz Stein. The conversation focuses on their advocacy for transparency and accountability from powerful institutions and individuals. The survivors detail their initial encounters with Epstein, with Jess Michaels stating she was 22 in 1991, Liz Stein was 21 in 1994, and Danielle Bensky was 17 in 2004. They explain their motivations for coming forward publicly, citing Julie K. Brown's 2018 article, the example of Virginia Giuffre, and a sense of duty to protect younger generations. Each describes the long-term personal costs of their trauma, including PTSD, physical health issues, and professional struggles. The discussion covers the recent chaotic release of Epstein-related documents by the Department of Justice, which left survivors' names and personal information unredacted. They reference a specific House Judiciary Committee hearing where Attorney General Pam Bondi declined to acknowledge them or apologize for the document release. A key insight is the survivors' analysis that the document release felt "purposefully chaotic," a tactic they compare to methods used to thwart investigations. They express frustration over the FBI's inconsistent follow-up, with Liz Stein noting the agency never contacted her for a full victim statement after an initial intake. Danielle Bensky describes the profound re-traumatization of seeing her unredacted FBI "302" form publicly released, which also exposed a friend's identity. The survivors interpret Bondi's refusal to face them during the congressional hearing as a symbolic repetition of the dehumanization they experienced. The tone is direct, educational, and emotionally charged, centered on personal testimony and systemic critique. Kara Swisher adopts a supportive interviewer role, occasionally sharing her own experience testifying against a powerful man. This episode will deeply resonate with listeners interested in survivor advocacy, institutional accountability, and the ongoing legal and political fallout from the Epstein case. Those seeking light content or who are fatigued by the extensive media coverage of this story may choose to skip it.

As heard by us

A hard, clear listen about survivors, power, and records that still do not add up.

The episode stays with three survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse and keeps its attention on transparency, accountability, and the abuse of power.

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Why you'd press play

Want the Epstein story stripped of spin and put back on the survivors?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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