In a stark interview before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, former assistant Sarah Kellen described a decade‑long relationship with Jeffrey Epstein that she says was marked by grooming, psychological manipulation, and repeated sexual abuse. Her testimony, given on May 21, adds new detail to the already extensive record of accusations against the late financier and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
From Unpaid Intern to Alleged Victim
Kellen told the committee that she began working for Epstein and Maxwell straight out of college, signing on as an unpaid trainee. She said the job required her to travel, attend meetings, and be on call “24 hours a day, seven days a week” without receiving a single paycheck. The pressure to stay in the role, she explained, stemmed from a fear that asking for compensation would jeopardize her “survival and stability” in a world where Epstein’s influence seemed limitless.
According to Kellen, her first paycheck arrived only after she complied with a request that she describes as the first instance of sexual abuse: Epstein allegedly ordered her to run a bath, undress, and join him in the tub. He then told her, “The job is yours. Now you just have to keep it.” From that point forward, Kellen said she earned roughly $25,000 a year—a modest sum given the demanding schedule that left her with no days off.
She emphasized that a portion of that salary was effectively payment for the abuse she endured, stating, “I was being paid, in part, to be raped.” The testimony painted a picture of a workplace where the line between employment and exploitation was deliberately blurred.
Allegations of Ongoing Abuse and Control
Kellen recounted a pattern of weekly assaults that ranged from non‑consensual sexual acts to violent attacks. One particularly harrowing episode involved Epstein allegedly trapping her in a gym, blasting loud music, and raping her while choking her. She described the experience as “violent” and said it left her physically and emotionally scarred.
Even after Epstein was incarcerated at a Palm Beach prison, Kellen claimed the abuse continued. She testified that he used Skype to contact her from jail, demanding that she undress for him on camera. The persistence of these alleged actions, according to Kellen, underscores a dynamic of power that extended beyond physical proximity.Throughout her decade of service, Kellen said she often dissociated from events, leaving her unable to recall many details. She told the committee that Epstein constantly reminded her of his wealth and connections, warning that any form of disobedience could result in the loss of everything she had—”even her life.”
Notable Figures and the Wider Network
Kellen also named several high‑profile individuals she allegedly encountered while traveling with Epstein. Though she did not provide exhaustive details, the names she mentioned help illustrate the breadth of Epstein’s social circle and the potential reach of his influence.
- Fidel Castro – former Cuban leader
- Prince Al‑Waleed bin Talal – Saudi billionaire investor
- Bill Clinton – former U.S. President (mentioned in related investigations)
- Prince Andrew, Duke of York – member of the British royal family
- Various unnamed scientists, philanthropists, and business executives
These references, while not directly tied to the abuse allegations, provide context for the environment in which Kellen says she operated—a world where powerful figures could be summoned with a phone call, and where dissent could be perilous.
Legal and Social Implications
Kellen’s testimony adds another layer to the ongoing legal scrutiny of Epstein’s estate and the individuals who surrounded him. While Epstein died in 2019, investigations continue, focusing on how his network facilitated alleged crimes and how victims were silenced.
The House Committee’s oversight function is to examine whether federal agencies, such as the Department of Justice, have adequately pursued accountability. Kellen’s account raises questions about the effectiveness of past investigations and whether additional resources are needed to support survivors.
Beyond the courtroom, the revelations contribute to a broader societal conversation about workplace exploitation, especially when power imbalances are extreme. Kellen’s description of being paid to endure abuse mirrors concerns raised in other high‑profile cases, where victims report feeling compelled to stay silent for fear of losing their
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