Michael Jackson to RFK Jr’s mother: The high-profile names in Jeffrey Epstein’s 'contact list'

The United States Department of Justice has declassified and released files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The initial batch of documents included the names of several well-known individuals.

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US Attorney General Pam Bondi authorised the release of these government records linked to the wealthy financier.

However, the **first phase of files** , now available on the Justice Department’s website, primarily consists of information that has been in the public domain for years. They did not contain any major new revelations regarding the sex trafficking case, which has long been the focus of conspiracy theories.

The list features names from politics, business, and the entertainment industry.

Who appeared on the so-called ‘client list’? How did the public respond to this first set of declassified files?

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Let’s take a look:

Which high-profile figures were named in the contact list?

During a Fox News appearance earlier, Bondi hinted at the document release, stating, “Breaking news right now: You’re going to see some Epstein information released.” The Justice Department said the files were being declassified as part of its commitment to transparency.

The limited set of documents contained flight logs from **Epstein’s** private jet, which have been publicly available through various court cases, as well as a heavily redacted copy of an address book allegedly compiled by Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell . This book has been referenced in media reports for years.

Also included were blacked-out records of masseuses and an inventory of more than 150 pieces of evidence. The list mentioned items such as nude photographs, massage tables, and sex-related objects. However, it was unclear whether this list was tied to Epstein’s case, Maxwell’s case, or another investigation.

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Several well-known figures appeared in the contact records released by the DOJ. The list is not described as “a client list” but rather a collection of individuals in Epstein’s extensive network.

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Some of the names included:

• Pop icon Michael Jackson

• Ethel Kennedy, mother of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

• Supermodel Naomi Campbell

• Musician Courtney Love

• Actor Alec Baldwin

• Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger

• Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

• Bob Weinstein, brother of Harvey Weinstein

• Businessman David Koch

• Late US Senator Ted Kennedy

• Actor Ralph Fiennes

• Kerry Kennedy

• Lawyer Alan Dershowitz

• Former US Secretary of State John Kerry

• Actor Dustin Hoffman

• Businessman Jon Huntsman

• Ivana and Ivanka Trump

• Model Liz Hurley

Notably, no sitting US president was named in the files.

Donald Trump, who was in office when Epstein was arrested, had previously suggested during his campaign last year that he would push for the release of government records on the case.

Expectations vs reality: How hyped release of ‘Epstein files’ was met

The Trump administration released over 100 pages of documents, but critics were left disappointed, claiming that the files did not reveal any major new details about the sex trafficking case. Many pointed out that much of the material was already publicly available.

While the documents include contact details of various individuals, they do not list addresses. Officials clarified that the disclosed files do not represent a “client” list but rather a collection of contacts Epstein had in his possession.

Conspiracy theories have circulated for years, suggesting, without evidence, that Epstein was killed in his jail cell to **prevent names** from being exposed. Despite the release of thousands of law enforcement files over time, no definitive proof supporting these claims has emerged.

The content made public on Thursday largely consists of materials already available, many of which were used as trial exhibits in the case against one of Epstein’s associates.

Some social media users initially celebrated the document release, but reactions quickly shifted, with many downplaying its importance.

A senior Justice Department official suggested that Bondi’s timing and purpose for releasing the files were meant as “a distraction” from other matters.

Several conservative figures and conspiracy theorists, including some who had received the binder, took to social media to allege a cover-up, claiming that crucial details were missing.

Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna criticised the Trump administration for failing to disclose significant information about the case.

“THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR and a complete disappointment. GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR!" she wrote.

Conservative commentator Glenn Beck posted on X: “The Epstein files are a total joke,” questioning, “Who is subverting POTUS?”

In response, Bondi promised further disclosures. She later claimed that a “source” within the FBI’s New York City field office had informed her that the bureau withheld “thousands” of previously undisclosed pages related to Epstein. According to a letter her spokesman shared with reporters, she vowed to obtain them.

Who was Jeffrey Epstein?

**Jeffrey Epstein** was accused of sexually abusing multiple underage girls in the early 2000s but served only 13 months in jail.

In 2019, more than a decade after reaching a secret plea deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to settle similar sex trafficking allegations, he was indicted on federal charges in New York.

Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to Epstein and his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, having connections to high-profile figures, including royals, presidents, and billionaires. Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for her role in Epstein’s crimes, is the daughter of the late British media mogul Robert Maxwell, who once owned the New York Daily News.

Over the years, thousands of pages of records have been made public through lawsuits, criminal dockets, public disclosures, and Freedom of Information Act requests. In January 2024, a court unsealed the final set of documents collected as evidence in a lawsuit filed by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre.

Much of the material had already been disclosed, including transcripts of victim interviews and old police reports. The files contained references to former US Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, Britain’s Prince Andrew, and magician David Copperfield. One victim also testified that she met Michael Jackson at Epstein’s Florida home but stated that nothing inappropriate took place.

With inputs from agencies