Piers Morgan Clashes With Guest Over Epstein Files

British journalist Piers Morgan accused writer Michael Tracey of having his audio mysteriously cut out during a heated debate about the late Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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During a panel discussion on Piers Morgan Uncensored about the Epstein files, writer Michael Tracey suddenly claimed he could no longer hear the audio, leading Morgan to mock the timing as an "astonishing coincidence." Tracey is known for questioning the mainstream narrative around Epstein, arguing that the highly anticipated "client list" does not exist. When fellow guest Tara Palmeri asked Tracey if he was being paid by any individuals linked to Epstein, he refused to directly answer the question.

Why it matters

The Epstein saga has been a source of intense public interest and speculation, with many questioning whether powerful individuals were involved in Epstein's alleged sex trafficking ring. Tracey's contrarian views on the case have drawn scrutiny, with some accusing him of attempting to discredit Epstein's victims.

The details

During the heated debate, Tracey argued that the mainstream narrative surrounding Epstein is largely a product of "moral panic" and "hysterical noise." He claimed that recent document dumps have confirmed there was no "client list" of high-profile individuals linked to Epstein. When Palmeri asked Tracey if he was being paid by any Epstein-linked individuals, his audio mysteriously cut out, leading Morgan to mock the timing as an "astonishing coincidence."

  • The incident occurred on February 17, 2026 during an episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored.

The players

Piers Morgan

A British journalist and television personality who hosts the show Piers Morgan Uncensored.

Michael Tracey

A writer known for his confrontational style of questioning and his attempts to discredit the mainstream narrative surrounding the Epstein case.

Tara Palmeri

A journalist who participated in the panel discussion and questioned Tracey about whether he was being paid by any individuals linked to Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“Who do you work for, Michael?”

— Tara Palmeri, Journalist (Piers Morgan Uncensored)

“Like, who's paying you? Who do you work for? I think a lot of people are wondering this, because I've never seen anyone quite like you going after victims of s-- crimes and attacking them like this. So you must be getting paid by someone in power who does not like these accusations… I think it's fair to ask, are you being paid by any of the men who've been accused by Jeffrey Epstein?”

— Tara Palmeri, Journalist (Piers Morgan Uncensored)

“Let her speak, please.”

— Piers Morgan, TV Host (Piers Morgan Uncensored)

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether Tracey will directly address the questions about his funding and potential conflicts of interest in his reporting on the Epstein case.

The takeaway

The heated exchange highlights the ongoing controversy and speculation surrounding the Epstein saga, with some accusing certain individuals of attempting to discredit or downplay the accounts of Epstein's alleged victims.