Pam Bondi Refuses to Apologize to Epstein Victims in Tense Congressional Hearing

• Pam Bondi refuses to apologize publicly
• Criticism over file handling
• Victims demand answers

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared this Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee in a hearing marked by intense questioning over the handling of the files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

The session focused on the release of official documents and the relationship between the Department of Justice and the victims of the deceased sex offender.

During the hearing, Bondi refused to directly apologize to the victims present in the room and defended the actions of the institution she leads — a key moment in the Pam Bondi Epstein hearing.

Congressional Hearing Confronts Pam Bondi Over Handling of the Epstein Case

Pam Bondi Refuses to Offer a Direct Apology

One of the most tense moments occurred when Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal asked the victims in attendance to raise their hands if they had still not been able to meet with the Department of Justice.

According to the record, all of them did.

Jayapal then addressed the attorney general and asked whether she would be willing to turn toward them and apologize for the release of the files and the exposure of their information.

Bondi did not turn to face the victims. In her response, she stated: “I’m not going to get into the mud over your theatrics.”

In her opening statement, however, the attorney general made a general reference to those affected.

“I am a career prosecutor and, despite what the ranking member said, I have spent my entire career fighting for victims and will continue to do so,” she declared. She also added: “I deeply regret what any victim, any victim, has gone through, especially as a result of that monster.”

Questions Over the Release of the Epstein Files

Lawmakers focused much of their questioning on the process of disclosing documents related to Epstein.

They criticized the slow pace of publication and noted that, in some cases, victims’ personal information that should have remained protected was mistakenly exposed.

The Department of Justice was also accused of failing to meet the legal deadline for the full release of government files linked to the case.

Additionally, lawmakers questioned why the names of alleged Epstein associates were redacted in the released documents while identifiable information of survivors was not adequately protected.

Following complaints from victims and attorneys about how the redactions were handled, the Department removed thousands of documents from its online portal.

Later, after further criticism from legislators over the censorship of public figures’ names without clear legal justification, the agency republished more than a dozen previously hidden names.

Accusations During the Hearing

Congressman Jamie Raskin, the committee’s top Democrat, argued that the attorney general was “on the side of the perpetrators” and “ignoring the victims.”

In his remarks, he added: “That will be your legacy unless you act quickly to change course,” and accused the Department of Justice of carrying out “a massive cover-up of the Epstein case.”

Raskin introduced victims and relatives of deceased victims who attended the hearing and stated: “You are not showing much interest in the victims, Madam Attorney General.”

Later, Congressman Jared Moskowitz asked the victims to stand and indicate whether they had managed to meet with the Department of Justice to provide testimony or evidence.

None indicated that they had been received.

All stated that they had attempted to make contact — individually or through attorneys — and had been ignored or turned away, although they expressed continued willingness to cooperate.

Previous Appearances in Congress

Bondi had previously appeared before Congress in October during a four-hour Senate hearing, where she also engaged in tense exchanges with lawmakers and provided limited information.

You May Be Interested In: Kristi Noem Announces Steel Purchase to Reinforce the Border Wall and Sheinbaum Responds: “We Build Bridges, Not Walls”

Wednesday’s session once again placed the institutional handling of the Epstein case, the release of official files, and the relationship between the Department of Justice and victims seeking answers at the center of debate — defining the broader impact of Pam Bondi in the Epstein hearing.

SOURCE: Time