Jeffrey Epstein victims’ fund awards $125 mln as claims course of ends

A fund to compensate victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuses has accomplished the payout course of, giving greater than $121 million to about 138 folks, the fund’s administrator stated on Monday.
About 225 claimants had sought restitution from the Epstein Victims’ Compensation Fund, greater than twice the 100 anticipated when the fund opened in June 2020.
The fund provided almost $125 million to about 150 claimants. Those who rejected presents and the 75 who had been turned away can nonetheless pursue claims towards Epstein’s property, whose executors had proposed establishing the fund.
Jordana Feldman, the fund’s administrator, in a press release stated claimants “had an opportunity to be heard in a safe space, to share the intimate, personal, often harrowing accounts of what they endured and how it has affected them.”
Feldman introduced the payouts at some point earlier than the second anniversary of Epstein’s Aug. 10, 2019 loss of life.
Epstein, 66, killed himself in a Manhattan jail two days after signing his will, whereas awaiting trial on intercourse trafficking fees.
The $121 million payout is seven instances the $17 million that girls who accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct had been awarded in January, within the chapter of the now-convicted film producer’s former studio.

Some awards for Epstein victims had been delayed by litigation by Attorney General Denise George of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the place Epstein owned two islands, towards the financier’s property.
Epstein’s executors have denied George’s claims they depleted the property’s $634 million of belongings too rapidly, and had been the “indispensable captains” of his intercourse trafficking.
Daniel Weiner, a lawyer for the executors, stated they had been “extremely pleased” with the funds to Epstein’s victims, within the first such compensation program by an property.

He stated Epstein’s property nonetheless had $190.2 million of belongings on June 30 to pay collectors, litigants and bills.
George didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
Feldman additionally helped lead the compensation fund for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, assaults.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime affiliate, has pleaded not responsible to participating in intercourse trafficking and grooming underage women for Epstein to abuse. Her trial in Manhattan might start in November.