December 21, 2025
The photo was released as part of a larger batch of materials made public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The U.S. Department of Justice is facing criticism for releasing a PR photo of Michael Jackson and his children in the newly published Jeffrey Epstein files.
The DOJ included the image in which Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, and Jackson, alongside their kids Evan Ross, Michael “Prince” Jackson Jr., and Paris Jackson, pose together.
Faces of the children were blurred, causing some people to believe Jackson’s children were potential victims, the Daily Beast reported. But the photograph was taken at a public event in Washington, D.C., not Epstein Island, where the deceased billionaire’s crimes are allegedly occured.
“There are two types of people here,” Clinton said in a statement. “The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships with him after. We’re in the first. No amount of stalling by people in the second group will change that. Everyone, especially MAGA, expects answers, not scapegoats.”
The White House press office said that the image was released by the Justice Department “with redactions to protect minors and/or victims as required by law,” the Daily Beast reported.
Since the release of the files and the scrutiny surrounding the redactions and misleading photos, the DOJ has removed 16 images it presented as part of the Epstein investigation, including an image of President Donald Trump, according to the Daily Beast.
The photo was released as part of a larger batch of materials made public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The federal law requires unclassified DOJ records related to Epstein to be published. The act set a Dec. 19 deadline for the release of all such documents, but the initial files have drawn criticism for heavy redactions and the omission of key materials.
The documents disclosed in the files are extensive. They include court records, flight logs, and law enforcement materials.
However, large portions have been redacted to protect victims’ identities and ongoing investigations. Many victims have been vocal about their experiences with Epstein on his island. Consequently, many observers declare the files fall short of full transparency.
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