The unidentified woman whom Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was pictured creepily crouching over was one of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking victims, a Democratic lawmaker has said.
The disturbing images of the former royal and the mystery woman were shown to the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday as Attorney General Pam Bondi was grilled over the release of the Epstein files.
Facing questions from Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), the AG confirmed the woman’s face had been redacted under congressional laws designed to protect sex trafficking victims.
“I’m going to show you two photos of former Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew attended various parties with Jeffrey Epstein,” Lieu told the hearing.
“Under the law Congress passed, you were allowed to redact photos to protect the victims of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. You redacted the photos of this victim’s face because you were following the congressional law, is that correct?”
After Bondi confirmed the reasoning behind the redaction, Lieu declared that the photos proved “we are looking at a sex trafficking victim.”
“Under the federal Victims Trafficking Protection Act, not only is Jeffrey Epstein guilty, but anyone who patronizes Epstein’s sex operation is also guilty of a crime,” the lawmaker said.
“That’s why I find it absolutely despicable that you sought to protect Epstein’s clients, like former Prince Andrew,” Lieu told Bondi.
The lawmaker went on to question why the Department of Justice ultimately determined the Epstein files hadn’t uncovered any evidence that would warrant charges against others – alleging that the photos of the disgraced prince were incriminating.
“These two photos staring you in the face are evidence of a crime and more than enough evidence to predicate an investigation against former Prince Andrew,” Lieu alleged.
“So I ask you, Attorney General Pam Bondi, why did you shut down this investigation last July? And why have you not prosecuted former Prince Andrew?”
A combative Bondi fired back, asking why lawmakers hadn’t asked the same questions of her predecessor, Merrick Garland, who was attorney general under former President Joe Biden.
“I agree with you. During the Biden administration, I called for people looking at Epstein files. Merrick Garland dropped the ball, as did Attorney General Bill Barr, as did Alex Acosta, a whole string of failures, but you are in charge,” Lieu said.
“You have the power to change things to hold these men accountable, and you’re doing the opposite, you’re protecting them.”
The fiery exchange unfolded as President Trump’s top law enforcement official testified before the panel on Wednesday following the release of millions of Epstein-related files.
With some of Epstein’s victims seated behind her in the hearing room, Bondi defended the DOJ’s handling of the investigative files related to the well-connected financier and accused Democrats of using the documents to distract from Trump’s successes.
