A survivor’s account has raised fresh questions about the role of modelling agencies in giving Jeffrey Epstein access to young women. The investigation examines allegations that agencies and industry figures continued introducing models to Epstein after his conviction for sex offences against a minor.
Epstein model agency allegations renewed scrutiny
Roza, who was 18 when she arrived in the United States from Uzbekistan, says MC2 Model Management sent her to Epstein’s Palm Beach home for two photoshoots in 2009. She claims the agency knew where she was being sent and failed in its responsibility to protect her.
According to her account, the shoots were unusual. She says Epstein’s then-girlfriend, Nadia Marcinko, was behind the camera, while there was no stylist and the photographs were never used. Roza later became an assistant to Epstein and says he systematically raped her.
The former model says agency representatives should be held accountable because they placed her in a dangerous environment while she was still very young and new to the country.
What the documents show
Documents released by the US Department of Justice indicate that 10 models connected to MC2 either met or communicated with Epstein after his conviction. The files also show that Epstein gave $1m to MC2 in 2005, despite later claims by agency owners that he had no involvement with the business.
Jeff Fuller, who was president of MC2’s US operation at the time, has previously said he did not know Roza was being abused or that she was sent to Epstein’s home. He has not responded to the latest allegations. After MC2’s US branch was dissolved in 2019, Fuller opened The Source Models. The investigation found that 50 models moved from MC2 to the new agency, which did not provide a comment.
How modelling networks allegedly enabled access
Lawyers representing Epstein survivors say modelling agencies provided a crucial connection between the financier and young women seeking work. Sara Ziff, founder of the Model Alliance, has argued that agencies can become a source of risk when they fail to properly vet clients and opportunities.
Sigrid McCawley, who represents more than 100 survivors, said scouts were important to Epstein because they helped identify women who matched his preferences. The investigation also examined former agent Ramsey Elkholy, whose name appears in documents relating to introductions involving 34 women.
One woman interviewed for the investigation said she was sexually abused by Epstein at age 19 after being introduced through this network. Elkholy rejected any suggestion that he knew about or facilitated abuse, saying he believed Epstein’s account of his earlier legal case and thought he was helping models access professional opportunities.
Survivors describe coercion and lasting trauma
Another survivor, identified by a pseudonym, said Epstein raped her more than 200 times. She rejected the idea that victims consented because they expected financial or professional advantages, describing the long-term trauma caused by the abuse.
She also said Faith Kates, then a senior figure at Next Management, met her at Epstein’s request. The survivor alleges that Kates suggested plastic surgery and provided information about a surgeon before Epstein persuaded her to leave modelling. She later became his assistant and says he controlled her life for almost two years.
Lawyers for Kates said Epstein was a manipulator who misled her. They denied that she had asked any model to undergo plastic surgery. Next Management did not respond to requests for comment.
Proposed law could target alleged enablers
New York State senator Zellnor Myrie is proposing legislation designed to give law enforcement greater powers to investigate people who may have enabled sex trafficking. He says individuals who knew, or should have known, about Epstein’s conduct should face accountability if they continued sending young women to him.
The proposal comes after a Department of Justice statement said no evidence had been uncovered warranting further investigation of uncharged third parties. Myrie is challenging that position and argues that the law should address networks surrounding alleged abuse, not only the person accused of committing it.
Read more: Ireland news and public affairs
For readers following major developments beyond this international investigation, explore Ireland breaking news and the latest Irish news, including politics, communities and public-interest stories.
Explore more: Irish headlines and analysis
Keep up with Dublin news today, Irish politics news and live updates Ireland, or browse international affairs, culture and lifestyle coverage for broader context.
Why survivor testimony matters
Roza says she is speaking publicly to encourage other survivors to come forward. Many victims remain silent because of fear, shame, professional dependence or concern about retaliation. Her account highlights the need for stronger safeguarding in industries where young people may rely on agencies to assess opportunities and protect their welfare.
The allegations remain contested, and those named have offered denials or explanations through representatives. However, the documents and testimonies described in the investigation raise serious questions about due diligence, financial relationships and the responsibility of intermediaries.
Frequently asked questions
What are the latest developments in the Epstein investigation?
Newly examined documents and survivor testimony are prompting questions about modelling agencies and industry figures who maintained contact with Epstein after his conviction.
What is MC2 Model Management alleged to have done?
Roza alleges that MC2 sent her to Epstein’s Florida home for photoshoots and failed to protect her. The agency’s former US president has denied knowing that she was being abused.
What legislation has been proposed?
New York senator Zellnor Myrie has proposed a sex-trafficking bill intended to strengthen investigations into people who may have knowingly or negligently enabled abuse.
Conclusion
The Epstein model agency allegations underline how powerful networks can expose vulnerable young people to danger when safeguards fail. Survivor testimony, documentary evidence and proposed legal reforms may help determine whether agencies and intermediaries should face greater scrutiny. The central takeaway is clear: professional gatekeepers must prioritise safety, transparency and informed consent over access, influence or commercial opportunity.