Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta told women who have allegedly been assaulted by Jeffrey Epstein that they “need to come forward,” at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.

Acosta had the press conference to respond to criticism he’s faced for negotiating a plea deal for Epstein, who ended up pleading guilty to two state-level prostitution solicitation charges in 2008. Epstein served 13 months in a county jail, paid restitution to specific victims, and had to register as a sex offender.