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Epstein's Wikipedia Page Edited to Remove 'Sex Offender' Label
Leaked emails show failed attempt to scrub Epstein's criminal history from his online profile
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Newly released Department of Justice files reveal that Jeffrey Epstein's Wikipedia page was edited in 2010 in an attempt to remove references to his status as a registered sex offender and his mugshot. An email from an individual going by the name 'Al Seckel' claimed they were 'hacking wiki' to replace Epstein's profile with a description of him as a 'businessman, philanthropist' and remove the 'sex offender' label.
Why it matters
This incident highlights Epstein's efforts to conceal his criminal history and rehabilitate his public image, even going so far as to illegally edit his Wikipedia page. It raises questions about the integrity of online information and the ability of powerful individuals to manipulate their digital footprint.
The details
The email exchange shows that the Wikipedia edits were made within a short timeframe, with the 'sex offender' category being removed and then quickly restored after other users flagged the changes. The email author also claimed to have 'recorded the IP addresses' of those reversing the edits, suggesting a coordinated effort to control Epstein's online profile.
- The Wikipedia edits were made in early November 2010.
- The email from 'Al Seckel' to Epstein was dated November 6, 2010.
The players
Jeffrey Epstein
An American financier and convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Al Seckel
The individual who claimed responsibility for the Wikipedia edits in an email to Epstein.
What they’re saying
“They have all sorts of protection around your 'mug shot' picture on wiki, and so, we are hacking wiki now to remove it and replace it with the photo that you sent, which will have the headline: Jeffrey Epstein, businessman, philanthropist.”
— Al Seckel (Department of Justice files)
“BTW, we also took you out in the sex offender category, and removed the headline in beginning sentence from wiki that also stated 'sex offender.' And, now it just reads businessman, philanthropist.”
— Al Seckel (Department of Justice files)
What’s next
The Department of Justice is likely to investigate further the extent of Epstein's efforts to manipulate his online presence and conceal his criminal history.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the challenges of maintaining the integrity of online information, especially for high-profile individuals seeking to control their public image. It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability around editing processes for platforms like Wikipedia.
