In an exclusive NBC News interview, six women and a family member of prominent accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre speak out together, with one survivor asking: “How many more of us do we have to lose?”
In a display of solidarity, a group of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell survivors and their families has come together to demand accountability and justice, speaking exclusively with NBC News’ Hallie Jackson. The group, which includes six women and a family member of prominent accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre, is speaking out as interest in the case returns to Capitol Hill.
The interview marked a significant moment as Wendy Avis, a survivor who has remained silent for years, shared her story publicly for the first time.
Avis, who was 14 when she says she was abused by Epstein in Florida, detailed a history similar to that of her friend Jena-Lisa Jones. She explained that she chose to speak now because not everyone is getting justice, and she feels a responsibility to inspire others. “I don’t want to say the ‘Me Too,’ not trying to do that, but it happened to me too, and I want to support her. She’s been doing all this for years alone, and she doesn’t deserve to do it alone,” Avis said.
READ: Turley Urges Caution As Ghislaine Maxwell’s Claims About Epstein’s ‘Client List’ Face Scrutiny
She also spoke about the severe mental health issues she has faced as a result of the trauma. “I thought of hurting myself… How many more of us do we have to lose?” she asked, her voice filled with emotion, highlighting the tragic consequences of their experiences and the ongoing need for support and recognition.
The survivors also focused on the need for accountability from all those involved, not just Epstein and Maxwell. Amanda Roberts, a family member of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, underscored that the case was a “global operation” that involved multiple people over decades. She and others in the group stressed the importance of publicly releasing documents to hold all involved accountable.
The group also expressed frustration with the lack of communication from both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and members of Congress. When asked if any of them had heard from the DOJ, they collectively responded, “No.” This lack of communication, they said, is surprising and unacceptable, given that the case is central to the DOJ’s mission.
In response to Maxwell’s attorney’s recent comments, Amanda Roberts stated that Maxwell is “trying to rewrite history” and that her involvement was far more than that of a simple “co-conspirator.” She emphasized that Maxwell was an active participant who “preyed upon these young girls.”
READ: Ghislaine Maxwell Disputes Existence of Epstein ‘Client List’
The survivors also addressed the recent discussion of a potential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell. Danny Wilson, representing Virginia Giuffre, called the idea a “slap in the face” to all survivors, asserting that Maxwell’s 20-year sentence is not enough. “People that are able to put that kind of evil out into the world should be locked away forever,” she said. The entire group raised their hands when asked if they would like to see President Trump definitively rule out a pardon for Maxwell. Survivor Marijke Chartouni expressed her frustration, stating that just “toying with the idea is an insult.”
Jena-Lisa Jones summed up a shared sentiment, saying it is “heartbreaking” to constantly see the case in the news when they just want it to be over. She, along with others, stressed that a full reinvestigation by the DOJ is the next necessary step to ensure accountability for all who were involved.
The group’s decision to speak out together marks a new phase of their fight, one fueled by their shared experiences and a collective desire to see genuine change. “We won’t get accountability until they reopen an investigation,” said survivor Lisa Phillips, a sentiment that was echoed by all in the room. Liz Stein expressed her fear that a lack of action would promote a “culture of silence” and send the wrong message to future survivors. “We haven’t been protected and we haven’t been informed,” she stated.
For Wendy Avis, the experience of sitting with other survivors was validating, “It tells me that I’m making the right choice, and that’s powerful to me, because I don’t have to second-guess myself anymore.”
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