US Lawmaker Presents Photos Linking Prince Andrew to Epstein Victim
During a contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, Democratic Representative Ted Lieu of California displayed images of Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with an unidentified woman. Lieu asserted that the woman is one of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking victims, sparking a heated exchange with Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Photos Show Prince Andrew "Creepily Crouching" Over Woman
According to reports from the New York Post, the photographs depicted the former royal in a compromising position. Lieu described the scene as Prince Andrew "creepily crouching over" the woman, whose face was redacted in the images presented to the committee. The hearing focused on the release of documents related to the Epstein case, with Lieu using the photos to highlight alleged criminal involvement.
AG Bondi Confirms Redaction Under Victim Protection Laws
When questioned by Lieu, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the woman's face was redacted in compliance with congressional laws designed to protect sex trafficking victims. Lieu pressed Bondi on this point, asking, "Under the law Congress passed, you were allowed to redact photos to protect the victims of Epstein's sex trafficking operation. You redacted the photos of this victim's face because you were following the congressional law, is that correct?" Bondi affirmed this reasoning, stating that the redaction was necessary to uphold legal protections for victims.
Lieu Argues Photos Prove Sex Trafficking Involvement
Following Bondi's confirmation, Lieu declared that the images serve as evidence that "we are looking at a sex trafficking victim." He cited the federal Victims Trafficking Protection Act, emphasizing that not only is Jeffrey Epstein guilty of crimes, but anyone who patronizes his sex operation is also criminally liable. "That's why I find it absolutely despicable that you sought to protect Epstein's clients, like former Prince Andrew," Lieu told Bondi during the hearing.
Background on Prince Andrew's Ties to Epstein
Lieu reminded the committee that Prince Andrew attended various parties with Jeffrey Epstein, reinforcing concerns about his association with the convicted sex offender. The lawmaker's accusations add to ongoing scrutiny of the British royal's connections to Epstein, who died in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. This hearing underscores broader efforts to hold all involved parties accountable under U.S. law.
The exchange highlights tensions between lawmakers and officials over transparency in the Epstein case, with Lieu pushing for full disclosure while Bondi defended legal redactions. As investigations continue, these developments could impact international relations and legal proceedings related to sex trafficking networks.
