Selective Silence and the Epstein Files

Natasha charles

You may have noticed that, beyond bursts of attention on social media, many celebrities, politicians, and other powerful figures have remained strikingly quiet about one of the most disturbing scandals in recent history: the Epstein files. Regardless of whether they were directly mentioned in the files, most individuals with a public persona have refused to comment on the case. Is the silence because of ignorance, or does it come from a place of self-preservation?

Recently, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has spoken out saying she wished she had never met Jeffrey Epstein. While the files revealed her connection to Epstein, she has long stayed silent since its release, and only after heavy political pressure did she deny allegations, defend herself, and cite particular episodes. Notably, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, had recently faced trial for serious offences, including multiple rape charges, drug dealing, and reckless driving. According to the BBC, the timing of her statement suggests she waited until the conclusion of his trial before speaking publicly.

There is also a string of celebrities whose names have been mentioned in the files, and they were quick to deny any affiliation to Epstein – or like Bill Gates, they accept having interacted or spent time with Epstein, but deny going to the island or participating in illicit activities. While these statements may or may not be truthful, their existence only sharpens attention on those repeatedly named who have chosen not to speak at all. This raises an important question: is silence a personal choice, or are some individuals constrained by legal or reputational considerations?

An article in The Guardian examines the role of silence in Epstein’s case, as well as in other instances where secrecy shields those in power from accountability. It argues that “secrecy functions as a kind of social gravity: if everyone stays quiet, no one stands out.” They conclude by saying the survivors deserve more than just “whispered sympathy,” and that the system is literally built to protect people like Epstein. It makes one wonder – how many in Epstein’s circles have been acutely aware of something going on and yet chose the most convenient option: silence

Following the release of the full, unredacted version of the files, came the disastrous attack by Israel and the US on Iran, which has now led to a huge global conflict between multiple countries.For some, this raises uncomfortable questions about whether such developments serve, intentionally or not, as distractions. Maybe this time, silence was not enough. Now, the Epstein Files issue is no longer in the forefront – we view it as one of the many issues, not the only one. Even though more than three million files have now been released, lawmakers and victims are still fighting to get more out.

Whether aided by silence or by other means, certain powerful connections of Epstein still do not face meaningful consequences for their alleged involvement.