Jeffrey Epstein’s Death Victimizes His Accusers

Good morning, Broadsheet readers! The U.K. Banking industry could get a new female CEO, Simone Biles continues her G.O.A.T.-ness, and Jeffrey Epstein’s puzzling death risks overshadowing his alleged victims. Have a marvelous Monday.

EVERYONE'S TALKING

- Victimized again. The stunning death, by apparent suicide, of financier Jeffrey Epstein on Saturday raised plenty of questions. Why, for instance, was the multimillionaire accused of sex trafficking girls as young as 14 left unmonitored despite an attempt to kill himself last month?

Just as important a question is what happens to Epstein's alleged victims now that he's gone. Those who've spoken out against Epstein were shocked and rightfully angered by his death.

“We’ve worked so hard to get here, and he stole that from us, too,” Virginia Giuffre, who's accused Epstein of sexual abuse, told The New York Times.

“We have to live with the scars of his actions for the rest of our lives, while he will never face the consequences of the crimes he committed, the pain and trauma he caused so many people,” said Jennifer Araoz, who's accused Epstein of rape.

The circumstances of Epstein's death are puzzling and sensational, and they have—unsurprisingly—captured headlines as members of Congress demand answers as to how Epstein died. But there's a risk here that Epstein's death will overshadow his alleged victims and the heinous claims they've filed against him; that this becomes yet another story of a powerful man and his untimely end, and his accusers are, effectively, victimized again.

Victim advocates are working to ensure that doesn't happen. Attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents some of Epstein's accusers, said the civil case against the financier can still proceed against his estate. "Victims deserve to be made whole for the lifelong damage he caused," she said.

Some lawmakers too are supporting the victims' continued pursuit of justice. Congresswoman Lois Frankel, a Democrat who represents Palm Beach, where Epstein had a residence, has called for a forum where victims can be heard. "Obviously, there was a time years ago when...they were literally dismissed," she told NPR. "And we're not going to allow that to happen anymore."

Claire Zillman
[email protected]
@clairezillman

ALSO IN THE HEADLINES

- Rosey outlook. The Royal Bank of Scotland is reportedly set to name Alison Rose, deputy head of its ring-fenced operations, as its new CEO. The appointment of Rose, which RBS has not confirmed, would make her the first woman to run a large British bank. Financial Times

- Bringing home the bacon. Educational and professional advancements mean women are often the breadwinners of their families. As more women take the "earnings pole position," it could prompt dramatic shifts in American spending given women's attitudes toward money. One possible change: American households could save more. The stereotype that women are over-spenders is misleading; in fact, women are more likely than men to use disposable money to pay down debt. Wall Street Journal

- Child care challenge. Cristina Tcheyan recently left Google to stay home and raise her kids, but before doing so, she researched what the company could do to better support working parents (and sent her findings to the CEO and head of HR and posted them on Medium). One of her more interesting suggestions: companies should pay for job candidates' child care so they can attend on-site interviews. NPR

- Second chance? 2020 Democratic hopeful Marianne Williamson hired Robert Becker, Bernie Sanders's former advisor, to lead her campaign in Iowa. The problem? Becker was accused of sexual assault and other unprofessional behavior during the 2016 election cycle—claims that Becker denies. “I believe in forgiveness. I believe in redemption. I believe in people rising up after they’ve fallen down,” Williamson, a spiritual adviser and author, told Politico. “I had not read anything or heard anything that made me feel this was a man who never deserved to work again.” Politico

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: India's opposition Congress party appointed former leader Sonia Gandhi as its interim president.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

- Plot twist. At the U.S. Gymnastics Championships this weekend, Simon Biles made plenty of history. She was the first gymnast to attempt and land a double-twisting, double somersault dismount from the balance beam and became the first woman to perform a triple double (two flips with three twists) in the floor exercise. She won the all-around title, as well as golds in vault, floor, and balance beam, adding to her existing 25 world championship and Olympic medals. Washington Post

- Greta in Germany. Sweden's Greta Thunberg is on her (plane-free) way to the UN Summits in the U.S. And Chile, but she made a side trip to Germany's Hambach forest. There, the young environmental activist joined a treetop protest to stop the ancient woodland from being torn up for open-cast coal ming. Guardian

- Seat at the table. For Coins2Day, writer Billy Lyons learned how the hospitality industry is trying to be more inclusive. The sector faces an uphill battle. “The list of macro and micro-aggressions is too long to share and grows weekly,” says Jackie Summers of the Jack from Brooklyn liquor label, who at one point was the only black person in the U.S. With a license to make liquor. Coins2Day

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