Epstein Estate Reaches $35 Million Settlement in Class Action Lawsuit
The estate of the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has agreed to a settlement of up to $35 million to resolve a class action lawsuit. The legal action accused two of Epstein's former advisers of actively assisting in his extensive sex trafficking operation involving young women and teenage girls.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement Details
According to court documents filed on Thursday, the settlement was announced by Boies Schiller Flexner, the law firm representing Epstein's victims. The agreement, which requires judicial approval, would conclude a 2024 lawsuit targeting Darren Indyke, Epstein's former personal lawyer, and Richard Kahn, his former accountant. Both individuals served as co-executors of Epstein's estate following his death.
Importantly, neither Indyke nor Kahn admitted to any wrongdoing as part of this settlement. Their attorney, Daniel H. Weiner, emphasized in a statement that his clients were prepared to contest the allegations at trial but chose to settle to achieve finality regarding potential claims against the Epstein estate. Weiner described the settlement as providing "a confidential avenue for financial relief" for victims who have not previously resolved their claims.
Background of Epstein's Estate and Previous Settlements
This latest settlement adds to previous financial resolutions from Epstein's estate. The estate had previously established a restitution fund that distributed $121 million to victims. Additionally, it paid out $49 million in separate settlements to individuals affected by Epstein's crimes.
The 2024 lawsuit alleged that Indyke and Kahn played crucial roles in enabling Epstein's illicit activities. Lawyers from Boies Schiller Flexner claimed the advisers helped Epstein establish a complex network of corporations and bank accounts. This system allegedly allowed him to conceal his abuses, facilitate payments to victims and recruiters, and ensure the advisers were "richly compensated" for their services.
Broader Legal Context and Epstein's Death
Epstein died in a New York jail in August 2019, with authorities ruling his death a suicide. The Boies law firm has been instrumental in pursuing legal action against entities connected to Epstein. Prior to this settlement, the firm secured $365 million in settlements from JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. These financial institutions were accused of overlooking red flags regarding Epstein, who was once a lucrative client for them.
The resolution of this class action represents another step in the ongoing legal aftermath of Epstein's crimes, though it comes without admissions of guilt from the accused advisers.
