Podcast Summary: Epstein Victim: He Said He Had Me on Video — Where’s the Transparency?

Podcast Information:

• Title: Bulwark Takes
• Host/Author: The Bulwark
• Description: The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.
• Episode Title: Epstein Victim: He Said He Had Me on Video — Where’s the Transparency?
• Release Date: July 26, 2025

Introduction and Context (00:00 - 01:32)

Host: Tim Miller opens the episode by welcoming Stacey Williams, who bravely shares her past experiences involving Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump at the Trump Hotel in the 1990s. Tim acknowledges the painful nature of revisiting these events and expresses gratitude for Stacey's courage in speaking out.

Notable Quote:

• Tim Miller (00:00): "Stacey Williams... came here to talk about a little bit."

Stacey Williams’ Background (01:32 - 02:02)

Stacey provides background about her career as a swimsuit model, highlighting her eight-year tenure with Sports Illustrated. She remarks on the challenges of maintaining a private life amidst public scrutiny, mentioning her efforts to conceal aspects of her personal identity.

Notable Quote:

• Stacey Williams (01:43): "I did the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue for like eight years and it was like some kind of record at the time."

Introduction to Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump (02:02 - 04:34)

Stacey recounts how she was introduced to Jeffrey Epstein through her agent, Faith Cates, owner of Next Models. She describes Epstein as one of the few men who engaged her in genuine conversations, which initially sparked her interest. Stacey then narrates meeting Donald Trump at a Christmas party hosted at the Plaza Hotel, leading to a brief romantic relationship lasting about four months. During this period, Stacey begins to sense troubling behavior from Epstein.

Notable Quotes:

• Stacey Williams (02:49): "Jeffrey was... one of the few men who just looked me in the eye and had a political conversation with me and didn't condescend."
• Stacey Williams (04:34): "For all the little data points to line up about how utterly batshit crazy everything was."

The Incident at Trump’s Office (04:34 - 08:40)

The core of the episode delves into the harrowing incident where Epstein and Trump notoriously groped Stacey at Trump's office. Stacey describes the encounter as shocking and disorienting, emphasizing how Trump's nonchalant demeanor during the assault left her frozen in fear. Epstein’s subsequent anger towards her for resisting the assault is highlighted, suggesting a manipulative dynamic between them.

Notable Quotes:

• Stacey Williams (05:04): "We were walking down Fifth Avenue one day, and he said... then that's when the incident happened. We went up and he groped me, and Jeffrey. And Donald kept talking while he groped me, and I froze."
• Stacey Williams (06:07): "I had told Jeffrey that I was one person who wasn't gonna let him get away with the handsy stuff."

Lack of Transparency and Government Accountability (08:40 - 14:49)

The discussion shifts to the broader issue of transparency concerning Epstein's alleged videos of his victims. Stacey expresses frustration over the Department of Justice’s handling of the case, questioning the existence and accessibility of these videos. She criticizes Alan Dershowitz’s assertion that any existing footage is merely for security purposes, arguing that it contradicts Epstein's own claims about possessing compromising videos.

Notable Quotes:

• Stacey Williams (10:09): "Where is that video? Was he lying? Does it exist?"
• Stacey Williams (11:43): "The government owes all of us some facts and confirmation that videos exist."

Impact on Victims and Seeking Justice (14:49 - 18:20)

Stacey discusses the personal toll of coming forward, including hostility from family members and the societal backlash reminiscent of the #MeToo movement. She underscores the importance of transparency for victims' closure and justice, criticizing the DOJ’s focus on interviewing traffickers rather than supporting and listening to the victims.

Notable Quotes:

• Stacey Williams (16:00): "I said to him [Jeffrey], you need to see a psychiatrist. Something's seriously wrong with you."
• Stacey Williams (18:17): "Nothing would surprise me, but that would be truly horrific. I can't imagine anyone could stomach her getting out."

Stacey’s Decision to Go Public (18:20 - 21:20)

Stacey shares her reluctance to disclose her experience publicly, highlighting the internal struggle and societal pressures that delayed her decision. The timing of her revelation, coinciding with a documentary premiere a week before the election, led to speculation about its strategic release. Nevertheless, she felt compelled to speak out to prevent the administration of someone she accused of sexual assault from gaining more power.

Notable Quotes:

• Stacey Williams (16:49): "I decided it was time I felt comfortable enough and then I let him and then it just blew up."
• Stacey Williams (19:08): "I had to let lawyers know and everything I said... a week before the election."

Challenges Faced by Victims (21:20 - 22:39)

The conversation addresses the emotional and psychological challenges Stacey and other victims face, including societal indifference and personal attacks. Stacey emphasizes that each victim's decision to come forward contributes to a collective movement towards accountability, despite the often overwhelming and isolating experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Stacey Williams (19:33): "It's been brutal. It's just... deeply personal for all of us who, you know, went through it."
• Stacey Williams (22:39): "For everyone that comes forward, like, you know, it makes someone else comfortable enough to come forward."

Epstein’s Wealth and Mystery (22:39 - 21:20)

Towards the end, Stacey touches upon the enigmatic sources of Epstein’s immense wealth. Despite surrounding herself with influential figures, she remains unaware of how Epstein amassed his fortune. She calls for more investigative journalism and governmental transparency to uncover the truth behind Epstein's financial dealings.

Notable Quotes:

• Stacey Williams (20:11): "I have no idea. I wish I knew. I think we all need a lot of answers."

Conclusion and Final Remarks (21:20 - End)

Tim Miller concludes the episode by expressing empathy for Stacey and other victims, acknowledging the difficulty of their experiences. He emphasizes the importance of their voices in the fight for justice and accountability, encouraging listeners to stay informed and supportive.

Notable Quote:

• Tim Miller (22:03): "Thank you. I appreciate it, really. And it's true. There are a bunch of us, and... for everyone that comes forward, like, you know, it makes someone else comfortable enough to come forward."

Key Takeaways:

• Stacey Williams courageously shares her experience with Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump, highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability in their actions.
• The episode underscores the systemic issues victims face, including societal indifference and inadequate legal responses.
• Stacey calls for comprehensive investigations into Epstein's activities and the sources of his wealth, emphasizing the need for justice and closure for all victims.
• The discussion reflects broader themes of power, exploitation, and the challenges of overcoming personal trauma in the public eye.

Further Resources:

• Documentary Mentioned: Beyond the Gaze – A film exploring the history and challenges of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, emphasizing feminist perspectives and the obstacles faced by women in the publishing industry.
• Relevant Figures:
  • Alan Dershowitz: Attorney and professor referenced regarding Epstein's alleged video recordings.
  • Ghislaine Maxwell: Epstein's associate, mentioned in the context of justice and accountability.

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