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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
Attorney General Refuses to Apologize to Epstein Victims
Bondi defends DOJ's handling of Epstein case during contentious House hearing
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to directly apologize to victims of Jeffrey Epstein during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, despite being pressed to do so by Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal. Bondi acknowledged the victims' suffering but did not turn to address them when asked. Other Democrats also criticized Bondi and the DOJ's handling of the Epstein case, accusing the department of 'siding with the perpetrators' and 'ignoring the victims'.
Why it matters
The Epstein case has been a source of ongoing controversy and criticism of the Justice Department's actions, with lawmakers and survivors accusing the DOJ of mishandling the release of files and failing to adequately address the needs of Epstein's victims. Bondi's refusal to apologize directly to the victims has further inflamed tensions and raised questions about the department's commitment to supporting those harmed by Epstein's crimes.
The details
During the House hearing, Rep. Jayapal asked Epstein victims in the audience to raise their hands if they had not been able to meet with the DOJ, and noted that 'every single survivor' had raised their hand. She then pressed Bondi to turn and apologize to the victims, but Bondi refused, saying she would not 'get in the gutter for her theatrics.' Bondi did acknowledge the victims' suffering in her opening remarks, but did not directly apologize. Other Democrats, including Rep. Jamie Raskin, accused Bondi and the DOJ of 'siding with the perpetrators' and 'ignoring the victims' in their handling of the Epstein case.
- The House Judiciary Committee hearing took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
The players
Pam Bondi
The Attorney General who testified at the House hearing.
Pramila Jayapal
A Democratic Representative from Washington who pressed Bondi to apologize to Epstein victims.
Jamie Raskin
The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee panel, who accused Bondi and the DOJ of 'siding with the perpetrators' and 'ignoring the victims'.
Jeffrey Epstein
The late convicted sex offender whose case has been the subject of ongoing controversy and criticism of the DOJ's handling.
What they’re saying
“Will you turn to them now and apologize for what your Department of Justice has put them through with the absolutely unacceptable release of the Epstein files and their information?”
— Pramila Jayapal, Representative
“I'm not going to get in the gutter for her theatrics.”
— Pam Bondi, Attorney General
“You're running a massive Epstein cover-up right out of the Department of Justice.”
— Jamie Raskin, Representative
What’s next
The House Judiciary Committee is expected to continue its oversight of the DOJ's handling of the Epstein case, with further hearings and investigations likely in the coming months.
The takeaway
Bondi's refusal to apologize directly to Epstein's victims has further eroded trust in the DOJ's commitment to supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. The ongoing controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the department's actions related to high-profile cases involving abuse and misconduct.
