A Cape Town woman has publicly detailed her alleged experience of being trafficked by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose death in 2019 came while he was awaiting trial on charges related to the sex trafficking of minors.
Her account follows the recent release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice linked to Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The files, commonly referred to as the Epstein files, reportedly include court records, images and correspondence connected to the late offender’s network.
CAPE TOWN WOMAN SPEAKS OUT
In interviews with Sky News and Cape Talk, Juliette Bryant shared details of what she describes as a traumatic ordeal that began in 2002, when she was 20 years old.
At the time, Bryant was a first-year university student and part-time model. She alleges that she was approached by a woman who portrayed Epstein as an immensely wealthy and powerful figure and promised her opportunities abroad. Hoping to earn money and support her family, Bryant agreed to travel.
She said she initially flew to New York but was then transported on a private jet to Little Saint James in the Caribbean, an island owned by Epstein that has since become synonymous with allegations of abuse and trafficking.
Bryant alleges that she was sexually assaulted during the flight and described feeling immediate fear for her safety. She claims she believed she was in serious danger and felt compelled to remain compliant in order to protect herself.
According to her account, the women who had recruited her dismissed her distress. Once on the island, she says she encountered other young women from countries including Brazil, Romania, France and Spain, whom she believes had also been trafficked. Bryant alleges that she was subjected to repeated sexual abuse over a period of two years.
She further claims that she was later offered money to recruit other girls for Epstein but refused.
Recently released documents reportedly show that Bryant remained in contact with Epstein until 2017. Addressing this, she said the continued communication has led to misunderstanding, explaining that she struggled for years with the psychological impact of her experiences and only spoke out after Epstein’s death.
ALLEGATIONS OF HIGH-PROFILE CONNECTIONS
In a separate radio interview, Bryant also claimed that she encountered Epstein in Cape Town prior to her departure to the United States. She alleged that he dined at a well-known local restaurant in the company of prominent figures, including former US President Bill Clinton and actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker, as well as several government officials.
Clinton has previously denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct and has indicated a willingness to cooperate with investigations. Spacey has faced separate allegations of sexual misconduct in recent years, which are not directly linked to the Epstein case.
Bryant alleged that Epstein had shown interest in her modelling portfolio and that she later attended a casting at the Cape Grace Hotel, claiming that both Epstein and Clinton were present. She says her travel arrangements were then swiftly organised, and she was flown to the United States with the promise of advancing her modelling career.
In a further interview with CBS, Bryant said it took her years to fully understand what had happened, describing herself as having been misled and exploited. She maintains that no legitimate modelling opportunities materialised and that she now views the experience as one in which she was deceived under false pretences.
Facebook Comments