- Julia Molchanova reveals Epstein's manipulative tactics and abuse.
- Epstein controlled women's lives, finances, and appearance.
- Victims faced strict rules, fear due to Epstein's connections.
A new and disturbing revelation has emerged in the Epstein files case involving US criminal and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Julia Molchanova, who says she was under Epstein’s control, has spoken publicly about her experience for the first time.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Molchanova described how Epstein allegedly lured young women into his circle and subjected them to physical and psychological abuse.
The convicted sex offender was charged with paying underage girls for sexual acts and sexually abusing them at his Manhattan and Palm Beach homes between 2002 and 2005. At the time of his death, he was facing new federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
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How Did Julia Meet Epstein?
Molchanova was a 22-year-old from Russia who had recently arrived in New York when she first met Epstein. She did not speak English at the time. According to her account, Epstein approached her on the street and spoke to her in a friendly manner, which did not initially raise her suspicions. The two exchanged phone numbers.
Molchanova said Epstein invited her to breakfast the following day and asked about her life. During their conversation, he learnt that she was experiencing difficulties in her relationship and had an interest in fashion and design.
Epstein then reportedly promised to help her pursue a career in the fashion industry and gain admission to New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
After the breakfast, Molchanova returned to Russia. Epstein later invited her back to New York, telling her that his secretary would arrange a visit to FIT so that she could learn more about its programmes.
She later encountered Epstein again in Paris while she was with her boyfriend. After an argument with her boyfriend in a store, Molchanova said she contacted Epstein, who offered to arrange her return to Russia through someone in Paris.
Instead, she said Epstein moved her into an apartment in New York where several other women were staying.
“He then moved me to an apartment in New York where other women were also staying,” she said, adding that the abuse began around this period.
“You're just confused, and you're lost at that time, and realisation comes later and not in the specific moment,” Molchanova told The Wall Street Journal.
What Julia Revealed About Life Under Epstein’s Control
Molchanova said Epstein introduced the women who visited his home to guests as his "assistants". According to her, this was a way of disguising what was actually taking place inside the house and preventing outsiders from becoming suspicious.
She described Epstein as highly manipulative and said he exercised extensive control over the women around him. According to Molchanova, he imposed restrictions on almost every aspect of their lives, including their spending.
She said Epstein provided the women with credit cards but required them to account for every expense and keep photographs of their receipts. He also allegedly dictated what they should wear, how they should style their hair and even how much they should weigh.
Molchanova further alleged that Epstein isolated the women from their families and friends and took them to his private island. She said the women were required to send him messages thanking him for what he had done for them. If someone refused, she said, he would become angry and yell at them.
As a form of punishment, Molchanova said some women were sometimes locked in a room for as long as 24 hours.
Molchanova further revealed she was depressed during that period. On one occasion, when she asked Epstein for permission to see a doctor or therapist, she said he flatly refused.
She also said Epstein’s connections with politicians and other influential people made him appear extremely powerful. Molchanova said she was so afraid for her life that she never found the courage to seek help from the police or other authorities.