Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was photographed dressed as a Navy SEAL next to disgraced filmmaker Harvey Weinstein during Prince Andrew’s daughter’s 18th birthday soiree.
Epstein, who was found dead in his prison cell this year while awaiting sex trafficking charges, was reportedly close friends with Weinstein, who has been accused by multiple women of sexual abuse and is slated to go on trial in January. Epstein’s then-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was also part of the grinning trio and can be seen wearing a gold masquerade mask in the photo released by the Sun.
Andrew, who has spent considerable time with Epstein, was accused of rape by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, and, although he has denied the allegations, he has been relieved of his duties in light of the public backlash. A second woman has also come forward and accused Andrew of having sex with her.
The picture of the three was snapped just about a week before Epstein was arrested for the first time and charged with one count of soliciting prostitution. Epstein was under investigation by authorities while he attended the exclusive party, which included the likes of celebrities such as Demi Moore, Kelly Osbourne, and Sir David Frost.
Jack Scarola, a 72-year-old lawyer for Epstein’s victims, said Sunday, “There was a fairly extensive investigation under way by then. Epstein cut a controversial deal with prosecutors in Florida, where he only served 13 months in jail.
“It is absolutely certain that at the time of the Windsor Castle gathering, Jeffrey Epstein was aware an investigation was going on — a search warrant had been executed on his home,” he continued. “I will leave it to others to judge whether it goes to the heart of concerns about the conduct of Prince Andrew.”
An undisclosed source said that the photo “sums up just why the Epstein affair has been so disastrous for Andrew. He brought these people into the royal fold, to Windsor Castle no less, where they could rub shoulders with the great and good. It is an astounding lack of judgment at the very least.”
About 400 guests attended the royal ball, which had an 1888 theme, the year marking 100 years from Princess Beatrice’s birthday. The theme might explain the masquerade attire, but it is unclear why Epstein had donned a Navy SEAL uniform.
Epstein was found dead in his cell in August. A medical examiner hired by Epstein’s brother claimed that the death revealed injuries more consistent with “homicidal strangulation” than suicide, which was determined as the cause of his death.
