Emily Maitlis will front new Epstein Files documentary(Image: PA)
Emily Maitlis has vowed to “get the answers” with a new documentary on the Epstein Files. The Channel 4 documentary’s announcement comes seven years after Maitlis conducted the now infamous Newsnight interview with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over his involvement with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The documentary’s working title is The Epstein Files and Channel 4 says it will feature first-hand testimony from the survivors of the financier’s “decades-long criminal operation”, as well as “forensic analysis of the documents, networks and powerful individuals” that are connected to it.
Maitlis said: “I’ve spent my career covering stories that those in power would rather we didn’t. The Epstein case is that story writ large – a web of wealth, influence and impunity that destroyed lives and was shielded by institutions we are supposed to trust.”
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Emily Maitlis talking to Andrew on Newsnight in 2019(Image: BBC)
The former Newsnight journalist added: “The survivors have waited long enough. I am determined that this series will provide answers, not just raise more questions.”
Back in 2019, Maitlis and Newsnight interviewed the then-Prince Andrew about his links to Epstein. The royal had come to know Epstein through Ghislaine Maxwell, a friend of Andrew and Epstein’s girlfriend.
During the course of their association, Andrew, Epstein and Maxwell were seen together at a number of places, including Balmoral, Windsor Castle and Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Their contact continued even after Epstein was convicted of prostituting minors.
Virginia Giuffre later accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her at Maxwell’s Belgravia home and again at both Epstein’s New York home and on his private island in the Caribbean, when she was only 17. Andrew has emphatically denied those allegations.
Andrew on Newsnight in 2019(Image: BBC)
Maitlis’ interview with Andrew followed Epstein’s arrest for sex trafficking. During the interview, Andrew claimed it was a “stretch” to say he was “close friends” and said he had no knowledge of the crimes Epstein was committing. He claimed he had no idea that a police investigation was looking into Epstein when he was invited to Princess Beatrice’s 18th birthday in 2006.
Andrew also said he only stayed with Epstein in 2010, after his release from prison, to tell the financier that they could no longer be seen together. He admitted to staying at the house in December 2010 and to attending a dinner there following Epstein’s release.
Addressing Giuffre’s allegations, he said: “I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever.” He denied meeting her at Tramp Nightclub, claiming he was at home with his children that day. He claimed that he remembered the date specifically because he was at a Pizza Express in Woking that day.
Shortly after the interview aired, Andrew took a step back from public duties “for the foreseeable future”. Two dramas were made about the interview, one of which was executive produced by Maitlis.
Andrew has since been stripped of his royal titles and was recently arrested for misconduct while in a public office following the release of the Epstein Files. He continues to deny any wrongdoing.
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