The House Oversight Committee has called on the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct involving two associates of the late Jeffrey Epstein. This request follows a closed-door interview with Sarah Kellen, a former assistant to Epstein, who provided testimony on May 21. Kellen accused Philip Levine, former Mayor of Miami Beach, and Frédéric Fekkai, a French celebrity hairstylist, of criminal misconduct.
Allegations and Testimonies
According to Kellen, the alleged misconduct by Fekkai occurred before she met Epstein, while the incident involving Levine happened after she began working for Epstein. Kellen, who worked for Epstein for over a decade, stated that Fekkai introduced her to Epstein under the guise of a modeling opportunity. She recounted that Fekkai sexually assaulted her during a supposed hair show in Maui, which turned out to be nonexistent.
Kellen also accused the late fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier of inappropriate behavior. She described an incident where Demarchelier exposed himself to her. These allegations were part of a broader investigation into Epstein’s network, which has been under scrutiny since his death in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Committee’s Role and DOJ Involvement
Committee Chair James Comer emphasized that the committee’s role is not to determine guilt but to ensure that allegations are thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities. The Justice Department has yet to respond to the committee’s referral.
Kellen’s testimony sheds light on the manipulative and abusive environment she endured while working for Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. She described Epstein’s control over her life, stating that he used his influence and power to dominate her psychologically and sexually.
Responses from Accused Parties
Both Levine and Fekkai have denied the allegations. Levine’s spokesperson stated that any suggestion of non-consensual behavior is false, while Fekkai’s representative expressed shock at the accusations, asserting that Fekkai was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities and had not engaged in any illegal conduct.
The allegations against Levine and Fekkai are part of a larger investigation into Epstein’s network, which has implicated numerous individuals. The Justice Department’s files, released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, contain references to both men, highlighting their connections to Epstein and Maxwell.
Kellen’s testimony also revealed her struggles during her time with Epstein, including being identified as a co-conspirator in a controversial nonprosecution agreement. She stated that she was unaware of her inclusion in the agreement until it was made public.
The committee’s referral to the DOJ marks a potential new phase in the investigation into Epstein’s associates, as the department considers whether to pursue further action based on Kellen’s testimony and other evidence.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
