Republican lawmakers, spearheaded by House Oversight Chair James Comer, have called on the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of sexual abuse involving two men connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s former assistant, Sarah Kellen. The request follows Kellen’s testimony to the House Oversight Committee, where she accused Frederic Fekkai, a French celebrity hairstylist, and Philip Levine, former mayor of Miami Beach, of sexual misconduct.

Allegations and Testimony

In a closed-door interview, Kellen detailed incidents involving Fekkai and Levine. She alleged that Fekkai, whom she met in Honolulu around 2000, misled her by introducing Epstein as a ‘Victoria’s Secret model scout’ and later took advantage of her during a hair show event. Kellen also recounted that Levine assaulted her in Saint Tropez in 2002 or 2003, describing him as a close friend of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s accomplice.

Additionally, Kellen accused French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier of exposing himself to her in his studio. These allegations were made public through a transcript released by Comer’s office, which also included Kellen’s descriptions of her interactions with Epstein and Maxwell.

Responses from the Accused

Representatives for Fekkai and Levine have denied the allegations. Fekkai’s spokesperson stated that he never engaged in any illegal behavior or introduced Kellen to Epstein. Levine’s spokesperson described a past encounter with Kellen as consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Levine also expressed regret for his limited interactions with Epstein, which he attributed to his former friendship with Maxwell.

Context and Implications

Kellen’s testimony sheds light on the broader network surrounding Epstein, who was known for exploiting vulnerable individuals. Her allegations underscore the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the misconduct of those associated with Epstein. While Kellen herself has faced scrutiny for her role in Epstein’s operations, she maintains that she was a victim of his manipulation and abuse.

The call for a DOJ investigation reflects ongoing efforts by lawmakers to ensure justice for survivors and to hold accountable those who may have been complicit in Epstein’s crimes. As the Justice Department considers these allegations, the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.