Attorney Gloria Allred and alleged Jeffrey Epstein victim Alicia Arden stood together at a press conference in Los Angeles, delivering an emotional call for the U.S. Congress to force the release of all remaining investigative files held by the Department of Justice on the late financier and convicted sex offender. The event, held ahead of a pivotal House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, highlighted the frustration of survivors who have waited years for full accountability. Arden, who filed one of the earliest documented police reports against Epstein in 1997, spoke through tears as she urged lawmakers to end the delays and name those who enabled his crimes.

Arden recounted her alleged assault in a Santa Monica hotel room, where Epstein, posing as a Victoria’s Secret representative, lured her under the pretense of a modeling audition before committing sexual battery. She filed a police report with the Santa Monica Police Department shortly after, making her the first known victim with documented proof of reporting the incident. Despite this early complaint, no federal prosecution followed at the time, allowing Epstein’s network to continue unchecked for decades. Allred, who has represented more than two dozen Epstein survivors, emphasized Arden’s pioneering role: her report predated many high-profile cases and could have altered the trajectory if acted upon swiftly.

The press conference came amid intense political maneuvering in Washington. The Republican-controlled House prepared to vote on a resolution compelling the DOJ to release all unreleased records related to Epstein’s investigations, including details on associates who may have facilitated or conspired in his sex trafficking and abuse of minors and adults. President Donald Trump, after initially opposing further disclosures, reversed course and urged House Republicans to support the measure, citing transparency and no personal concerns. This shift followed a rare bipartisan push, including a House petition that gathered sufficient support to force the floor vote despite earlier resistance.

Arden described the recent political back-and-forth as a “slap in the face” to victims. She criticized the infighting, stating that Washington seemed more focused on partisan games than delivering justice. “My hope is that finally, these files will be released, and those who were complicit in Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes will finally be named,” she said. “The American public will get the transparency that they’ve been promised, and which we all deserve.” She framed the issue as bipartisan, questioning why any lawmaker would oppose releasing authentic DOJ records while protecting victim identities through redactions.

Allred reinforced the urgency, noting that survivors have been largely sidelined in congressional discussions. She called for victims to be included in any hearings on Epstein, arguing that their voices must shape the process. The attorney highlighted the broader implications: full disclosure could expose enablers who escaped scrutiny under Epstein’s controversial 2008 non-prosecution agreement in Florida. That deal, which granted immunity to several associates, has long been criticized as overly lenient and potentially obstructive to justice for later victims.

The push for release aligns with ongoing demands from survivors and advocates. Previous document batches, unsealed in civil lawsuits and under transparency initiatives, revealed flight logs, contact lists, and witness statements but left many questions unanswered. Remaining DOJ files reportedly contain investigative notes, interview summaries, and evidence from federal probes that could illuminate the full scope of Epstein’s operation. Supporters argue that withholding them perpetuates secrecy, while opponents have raised concerns about national security, privacy, or unfounded speculation—though the resolution allows for victim protections.

Arden’s emotional appeal resonated widely. As an actress and model who came forward publicly in 2020 alongside Allred, she has consistently advocated for accountability. Her 1997 report detailed how Epstein’s actions left lasting trauma, yet the lack of follow-up contributed to a pattern where complaints were minimized. Allred pointed out that if Epstein had faced consequences earlier, “perhaps many other women and children could have been spared” the abuse and trafficking they endured.

The House vote was expected to pass nearly unanimously, given the bipartisan momentum and Trump’s endorsement. If approved, the measure would advance to the Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune’s office has remained noncommittal but faces pressure from both parties. Trump is anticipated to sign if it reaches his desk, though questions linger about his long-term commitment to transparency amid his past associations with Epstein.

This moment represents a critical juncture in the Epstein saga. For survivors like Arden, the files symbolize more than documents—they represent validation, closure, and the possibility of naming those who turned a blind eye. Allred stressed that political fog should not obscure survivor needs: “When the fog of political war clears, I certainly hope that the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein will have more answers and information than they have now.”

As Congress weighs the resolution, the press conference serves as a powerful reminder that behind every redacted page are real people seeking justice. Arden’s plea underscores a simple truth: transparency is not partisan—it’s essential for healing and prevention. With the vote imminent, the world watches to see if lawmakers will finally deliver the full truth victims have demanded for years.