Here is who Epstein’s longtime assistant accused of sexual abuse

Jeffrey Epstein’s Assistant Names Three Men in Sexual Abuse Allegations

Here is who Epstein s longtime – Congressional investigators probing the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have expanded their focus to three men accused of misconduct by his former assistant, Sarah Kellen, during a recent closed-door testimony. Sources close to the investigation revealed that Kellen identified these individuals by name, providing lawmakers with fresh evidence to explore the scope of Epstein’s alleged criminal activities. The House Oversight Committee, which conducted the interview, confirmed that the accusations were made in a Thursday session, though the details remain under scrutiny as the committee prepares to release a full transcript.

Kellen’s Claims and the Individuals Named

Kellen, who worked closely with Epstein for years, testified that two of the men—Frederic Fekkai, a renowned French hairstylist, and Philip Levine, a former Miami Beach mayor and cruise industry magnate—were involved in sexual assaults against her. She also alleged that Patrick Demarchelier, a celebrated fashion photographer, exposed himself to her during a prior encounter. These claims, according to sources, were made in the context of Kellen’s broader account of Epstein’s manipulative tactics and his role in facilitating abuse.

“Mr. Fekkai was astonished to read of Ms. Kellen’s testimony. Mr. Fekkai never abused anyone. He never participated in any illegal behavior. He knew nothing about Epstein’s repugnant depravity or trafficking. He did nothing wrong,” said Mark Herr, a media representative for Fekkai.

Levine’s alleged involvement with Kellen occurred during a trip to St. Tropez, where Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell rented a residence. Kellen described the incident as part of a pattern of exploitation, claiming Levine had assaulted her in the early 2000s. A representative for Demarchelier, who passed away in 2022, also dismissed the accusations, emphasizing that the photographer had no direct connection to Epstein’s activities, despite Kellen’s assertion that he introduced her to the financier.

Background on the Accused

Fekkai, a prominent figure in the French fashion and entertainment scene, has been linked to Epstein since the early 2000s. Kellen testified that the two met during a business trip to Hawaii, where Fekkai allegedly assaulted her in a hotel room while Epstein was away. This incident, she claimed, took place before her relationship with Epstein began, suggesting a separate history of abuse. Levine, on the other hand, has long been associated with the cruise industry and local politics in Miami Beach, a city where Epstein maintained a significant presence.

Demarchelier, known for his work with high-profile clients in the fashion world, was reportedly introduced to Epstein by Kellen. The photographer, according to the testimony, played a role in connecting her to the financier, who was described as scouting for potential Victoria’s Secret models. While the Epstein files reviewed by CNN do not explicitly link Demarchelier to the financier’s crimes, they highlight his longstanding ties to Epstein’s network.

Epstein’s Network and the Ongoing Investigation

Though none of the three men have been formally charged with sexual abuse in relation to Epstein, the committee’s focus on them marks a significant shift in the case. Comer noted that the allegations came as a surprise, even though Levine and Fekkai had previously been connected to Epstein through shared business ventures. The files obtained by CNN show that Levine and Fekkai had associations with Epstein dating back years, but no direct evidence of their involvement in the abuse was uncovered yet.

Levine, in a statement earlier this year, admitted to meeting Epstein only a few times, framing their relationship as a result of his former friendship with Maxwell. “My only connection to Jeffrey Epstein arose solely through my former friendship with Ghislaine Maxwell,” he said, adding that he regretted the encounter and had no business dealings with the financier. However, Kellen’s testimony challenges this narrative, asserting that Levine was actively involved in the abuse during a specific period.

Kellen’s Role and Complex Allegations

Kellen has become a central figure in the investigation, not only for her accusations against Epstein but also for her potential ties to his criminal activities. In 2007, law enforcement agencies labeled her as a possible co-conspirator in Epstein’s operations, a designation that has since been reevaluated. While she maintains that she was a victim of Epstein’s abuse, some analysts acknowledge that her relationship with him was multifaceted, blending professional collaboration with personal coercion.

“He groomed me, sexually and psychologically abused me, controlled me, manipulated me, dominated me, and gaslit me until I could no longer tell which thoughts were mine and which were his,” Kellen stated in her opening remarks to lawmakers, as recorded in a transcript.

Kellen’s testimony paints a vivid picture of Epstein’s dominance, describing her experience as akin to living under a “permanent virtual reality headset.” She recounted how the financier constantly reminded her of his influence, instilling fear that any defiance would lead to the loss of her career, home, and even her life. This level of control, she argued, was a deliberate strategy to maintain power over those in his orbit.

The committee’s decision to prioritize Kellen’s allegations underscores the evolving nature of the case. Comer has emphasized that the testimonies offer new leads, particularly in uncovering the extent of Epstein’s network and the roles individuals played in his schemes. While the media representatives of Fekkai and Levine have denied wrongdoing, the committee’s probe continues to build on Kellen’s account, which has already sparked renewed interest in the past activities of those connected to Epstein.

Public Records and the Path Forward

A review of the Epstein files by CNN revealed that Levine and Fekkai were part of the financier’s inner circle for years, though no direct interaction between them and Epstein was documented in the public records. Demarchelier, despite being named by Kellen, was not included in the initial files, suggesting that his involvement may have been less formal or unrecorded. This discrepancy raises questions about the completeness of the evidence and the thoroughness of the investigations conducted so far.

Comer has not yet disclosed the full names of the individuals named by Kellen, stating that the committee aims to release the transcript promptly. The ongoing inquiry into these figures may lead to further revelations, particularly as investigators delve deeper into Epstein’s alleged practices. For now, Kellen’s testimony stands as a critical piece of evidence, challenging the perception that the financier’s influence was limited to his direct circle.

As the committee moves forward, the focus on these three men highlights the broader implications of Epstein’s case. Their alleged misconduct, if substantiated, could shed light on the systemic abuse within his network and the extent of his reach. Kellen’s account, though complex, remains a pivotal element in the quest to uncover the full truth about Epstein’s legacy and the individuals who may have aided his crimes.