How did US model agencies act as intermediaries for Epstein?

According to U.S. Department of Justice documents, 10 models within MC2 met or communicated with Epstein after he was convicted of sex crimes in 2008.

The documents also revealed that Epstein gave $1 million to the agency in 2005.

The BBC found that former model agent Ramsey Elkholy tried to introduce 34 women, including an 18-year-old student, to Epstein. One of these women described being sexually abused when she first met Epstein at his New York home when she was 19 years old.

Elkholy denied allegations that he was aware of or facilitated the abuse.

Speaking to the BBC, Eastern European Simona, whose real name was not disclosed, also said that Epstein raped her more than 200 times.

Explaining that she met Epstein when she was 20, Simona stated that she was affiliated with a model agency in New York at that time and that Epstein offered to introduce her to Faith Kates, the manager of Next Management, one of the world's leading model agencies.

Simona claimed that Kates suggested she undergo plastic surgery during the meeting and sent a surgeon's contact information to Epstein.

Stating that after this meeting, Epstein convinced her to quit modeling and started working as his assistant, Simona explained that she was subjected to sexual abuse by Epstein for about two years and that every aspect of her life was controlled by him.

"People think we accept this abuse for financial gain or influence, but this is not true. We are left with deep traumas," Simona said. he said.

Sigrid McCawley, a lawyer representing more than 100 victims of Jeffrey Epstein, noted that people working in model agencies and bringing young women into the industry played an important role in Epstein's access to young women.

New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie also prepared a new bill to investigate people who allegedly facilitated Epstein's abuse.