The Epstein Survivors Fund Begins Payouts
Jeffrey Epstein’s estate had begun quietly paying millions of dollars to dozens of women through the Victims’ Compensation Program, which had been established as an alternative to prolonged civil litigation. The first settlements were distributed in the fall of 2020 after claims were reviewed by the independently administered program, with payments generally issued within about 90 days. The specific settlement amounts were filed under seal, but the fund had been required to begin with at least $25 million and to be replenished whenever its balance dropped below $10 million. Among the women reported to have agreed to participate were Annie Farmer, Maria Farmer, Teresa Helm, Juliette Bryant, Sarah Ransome and Virginia Roberts Giuffre. Women who accepted compensation had been required to sign releases giving up future legal claims against Epstein’s estate, co-executors Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, and certain entities and individuals who had worked for or provided services to Epstein or his estate. The agreement did not, however, prevent survivors from suing people they alleged Epstein had trafficked them to. Participants could remain anonymous and were not barred from speaking publicly about Epstein or their compensation. The settlements moved much faster than many had expected, and the program offered survivors a way to receive compensation without waiting through years of traditional litigation, though accepting an award also meant surrendering significant legal claims against the estate and its associated personnel. to contact me: [email protected]