Fact Check: No Evidence Links Ellen DeGeneres to Cannibalism in Epstein Files

False claims circulating across social media platforms in February 2026 have alleged that recently released Jeffrey Epstein files contain evidence implicating comedian Ellen DeGeneres in acts of cannibalism. These allegations, which have spread rapidly on X, Threads, and TikTok, have been thoroughly investigated and determined to be entirely without merit.

The rumors emerged following the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of millions of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Among the more sensational claims was that the files contained evidence describing DeGeneres as a “prolific cannibal,” with some social media posts suggesting she had fled the United States to avoid scrutiny over these supposed revelations.

A comprehensive examination of all references to DeGeneres within the DOJ’s released files reveals no connection whatsoever between the television personality and any mentions of cannibalism. DeGeneres’ name appears in the documents primarily in mundane contexts—in news digests, Twitter compilations sent to Epstein from her former talk show, and in passing references within emails about unrelated matters.

Specific mentions of DeGeneres include a redacted email quoting a college graduation speech she reportedly delivered, an Apple News newsletter that referenced her addressing workplace misconduct allegations on her show, and an email forwarded to Epstein from publicist Peggy Siegal, which merely noted seeing DeGeneres dancing at a party in St. Barts.

It’s important to understand that being mentioned in the Epstein files does not itself indicate any wrongdoing or association with Epstein’s criminal activities. Thousands of names appear throughout the documents for entirely incidental reasons, as the files contain everything from media summaries to academic materials to personal correspondence.

While terms related to cannibalism do appear in the released documents, none of these references are connected to DeGeneres. A search of the files revealed 52 instances of the word “cannibal” and six instances of “cannibalism,” with many being duplications. These references appear in media digests, an academic syllabus, a transcript of a conversation between Epstein and someone named Richard, and an email from Epstein about jerky and “a restaurant called Cannibal.”

The dissemination of these false claims highlights an ongoing challenge with the Epstein document release. The sheer volume of materials—millions of pages—combined with public interest in the case has created fertile ground for misinformation. Social media users have cherry-picked terms and names appearing separately in the documents and falsely connected them to create sensational, but entirely fabricated, narratives.

Fact-checking organizations have been working diligently to address numerous claims related to the Epstein files, including previous allegations regarding “ritualistic sacrifice” and cannibalism mentioned in the documents. These efforts remain crucial as misinformation continues to proliferate across digital platforms.

The Justice Department made these documents public as part of ongoing transparency efforts surrounding the Epstein case, which has drawn significant public interest due to the financier’s connections to powerful figures across business, politics, and entertainment. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

As this case demonstrates, when examining high-profile document releases, it’s essential to verify claims by consulting the primary sources directly rather than relying on unsubstantiated social media posts that may distort or fabricate connections between unrelated elements found within the files.