Fame Under Fire – "The Epstein Files: Fact or Fiction?"

Podcast: Fame Under Fire (BBC Sounds)
Host: Anoushka Mitanda-Doughty
Date: February 12, 2026
Featured Guest: Eric Fadali (Bloom Law Firm, survivors’ attorney)

Overview

In this no-nonsense episode, Anoushka Mitanda-Doughty dives headfirst into the headlines and social media narratives swirling around the newly released "Epstein Files." With public curiosity at a fever pitch—and misinformation rampant—Anoushka answers listener questions about the most provocative claims, separating fact from fiction. She also speaks with Eric Fadali, attorney for 11 Epstein survivors, for updates on the fight for justice.

Key Discussion Points

Introduction and Context (01:16)

• Anoushka frames the episode as a deep-dive into rumors and fact-checking about the recently released Epstein investigation files.
• Disclaimer: Mentions the sensitive/graphic nature of the content, the presumption of innocence for non-charged individuals, and the limitations of attribution in many redacted or unclear communications.

Fact or Fiction: Listeners’ Questions Answered

1. Are the "Torture Emails" Real? (03:05)

• Emails discussed:
  • “Where are you? Are you okay? I loved the torture video” (Sent by Epstein, 24 April 2009 – [03:14]) (EFTA 00663685).
  • “Do you want me to try to do her or just torture her?” (Authored by Epstein, recipient unclear).
• Anoushka: Affirms both emails are in the files; screenshots on social media are authentic.
• Key Clarification: The files don’t show if the FBI investigated these specific emails further; "torture" is not a specific federal charge—related acts are prosecuted under other statutes (e.g., assault or false imprisonment).
• Context: Not every mention of "torture" in the files references actual acts—many are colloquial (e.g., “I don’t mean to torture you, but can you please sign this contract?”).
• Andres Serrano reference: Emails discuss art—not criminal activity—including the “Torture” photo series and a Madonna statue. Serrano’s wife clarifies via email that “our girl” refers to the statue, not a person ([06:54]).
• Quote:

  "If you keyword search torture in the Epstein files, it’s going to come up a lot... By no means are all these references similar to the ones I just read out." – Anoushka [05:33]

2. Epstein and "Kuru Disease" Rumor (08:36)

• Claim: Viral TikTok posts allege a photo shows Epstein with symptoms of Kuru (a disease associated with ritualistic cannibalism).
• Anoushka clarifies:
  • The image of Epstein with a swollen face is real, but he never had Kuru.
  • Kuru is fatal within 12 months; Epstein was functioning in jail and officially died by suicide by hanging in 2019.
• Disinformation alert: Many viral TikTok videos are AI-generated, faking eyewitness testimony ([09:32]).
• Quote:

  “He does not, and let me categorically say he does not, have Kuru disease.” – Anoushka [08:55]

3. "Did Epstein Joke about Eating People?" (10:13)

• Context: An email where Epstein responds, “Thank you for your concern, not food, people,” in response to someone asking if he felt unwell.
• The entire email chain includes animal memes and appears more tongue-in-cheek/banal than sensational; context is essential.
• Quote:

  “That’s the screenshot that’s going around social media. And it’s real. It is, but that’s not the entirety of the email chain.” – Anoushka [11:15]

4. Reference to "Killing Babies"/Massacre Painting (11:42)

• Claim: Emails mention killing babies, fueling wild theories.
• Fact: Real email from Epstein’s assistant (Sarah K.) asking “Rich” to send a painting called “The Massacre of the Innocents” to Epstein’s ranch—reference is to a Bible-inspired painting, not a literal act.
• Quote:

  “It’s a reference to a painting. Now, there are several under the same name. One by Bruegel, for instance.” – Anoushka [12:10]

5. Was Epstein Planning a "Baby Farm" or Designer Babies? (12:30)

• Background: Email chain with Brian Bishop (crypto entrepreneur, genetic engineering enthusiast) discussing a designer baby startup; Epstein considered, then declined to invest.
• Rumor source: 2019 New York Times report about Epstein expressing intent to impregnate women at his ranch (Zorro Ranch).
• Clarification: There is no confirmed evidence in the files that Epstein succeeded or followed through; the concept is discussed but no proof of funding or execution.
• Bishop’s statement:

  “He didn’t get involved and I never received money from him.” – Eric Fadali relays, quoting Bishop [13:10]

6. Emails About Infants Suckling on Pacifiers (14:54)

• Claim: Rumored emails about babies and pacifiers.
• Fact: Professor Mark Tramo (UCLA) sent Epstein an email discussing a study on infants preferentially suckling to their mother’s voice—a known scientific observation.
• Tramo also forwarded student research inquiries to Epstein; Epstein’s replies included, “Are either of these cute?” Tramo responded, “We’ll see (you’re terrible).” (EFTA 00762250)
• Tramo’s statement (via UCLA’s Daily Bruin): Initially denied, then admitted exchanges but insisted no crimes were committed, nor awareness of Epstein’s abuse.

The Survivors’ Fight for Justice: Interview with Eric Fadali (16:02)

Department of Justice and FBI Failures

• Fadali: DOJ and FBI failed survivors since the 1990s; credible reports on Epstein were not acted upon, enabling abuse for decades.
• Quote:

  “...the DOJ, law enforcement, administration after administration absolutely failed the survivors going all the way back from the 90s.” – Eric Fadali [16:12]

Legal Tactics and Barriers

• Survivors’ legal team sued the FBI over mishandling and lack of transparency; lawsuit challenged by government immunity laws—limitations on suing federal agencies for inaction or redactions (17:06).

The Reality of Defamation Lawsuits

• Victims risk being sued for defamation if they name associates—high-profile accused often use litigation as counterattack (18:54–19:46).
• Quote:

  “The best defense is a good offense. So that’s something they’re up against.” – Eric Fadali [19:27]

What Does Justice Look Like? (19:57)

• Full release of all DOJ documents, with redactions only for victims’ identities.
• Accountability—criminal, civil, or at minimum, societal shaming—for abusers and their enablers.
• Allowing for victims’ closure and peace.
• Quote:

  “We can’t get closure without accountability and justice. And we can’t get accountability and justice until we get full transparency. So it has to be all three.” – Eric Fadali [21:04]

How Can the Public Help?

• Amplify survivors’ voices, pressure representatives, demand legislative and legal accountability (18:21).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On rumors and viral posts:

  “I’ve seen this everywhere. Absolutely taken off on social media, particularly on TikTok. And it’s a falsity wrapped in a real exhibit from the Epstein files.” – Anoushka [08:50]

• Epstein’s unsettling emails:

  “Do you want me to try to do her or just torture her?” – Quoted email [03:40]

• Legal frustration:

  “...most law enforcement agencies and federal entities...have some sort of immunity in the United States where they are able to avoid lawsuits, avoid liability for these types of things.” – Eric Fadali [17:23]

• What survivors want:

  "True transparency, true accountability, and then true closure." – Eric Fadali [21:10]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:16] – Episode introduction and framing
• [03:05] – Torture emails: fact-checking & context
• [06:54] – Andres Serrano art references explained
• [08:36] – The “Kuru disease” and cannibalism rumors
• [11:15] – Cannibal joke email: real context
• [11:42] – “Killing babies”/Massacre of the Innocents painting
• [12:30] – “Baby farm”/designer baby rumors debunked
• [13:10] – Brian Bishop’s comment on funding
• [14:54] – Pacifiers, babies, and inappropriate science emails
• [16:02] – Interview with attorney Eric Fadali (justice for survivors)
• [19:57] – Fadali: what justice should look like

Tone & Takeaways

Anoushka’s tone is sharp, clear, and skeptical—cutting through noise, acknowledging both the horror of the subject matter and the wildness of online rumor. She stresses evidence, context, and the primacy of the survivors’ voices. Eric Fadali is clear-eyed about the institutional failures and the legal obstacles survivors still face, while maintaining hope for real transparency and accountability.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a much-needed antidote to viral misinformation, laying out what’s really in the Epstein files, what’s been distorted on TikTok, and what questions remain unanswered. The refrain: not every shocking claim holds up, but the core truths are damning enough—and the focus must remain on the survivors and the institutional responses.

For questions or follow-up:
Find Anoushka on Instagram/TikTok: @anoushkamd
Full document references (DOJ "EFTA" numbers) and further reading available via the DOJ site noted.