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Misleading Videos Falsely Linked to Epstein Files Protests
Social media users have been misled by a set of viral videos purportedly showing large crowds protesting outside Trump Tower following the recent release of Jeffrey Epstein-related court documents.
An X (formerly Twitter) premium user shared the footage with the caption, “People after Epstein file release Infront of the Trump Tower,” suggesting the scenes depicted public outrage in direct response to the unsealed Epstein files. The post quickly gained traction, with numerous accounts resharing the claim across various platforms.
However, fact-checking reveals the videos have been deceptively repurposed. The first video, showing massive street gatherings, actually dates back to October 2023, not 2025 as erroneously reported in some sources, and depicts scenes from the “No Kings” protests that occurred in several U.S. cities. These demonstrations were entirely unrelated to the Epstein case.
The circulation of these misleading videos coincides with heightened public interest following the January 2024 release of previously sealed court documents related to Epstein’s associates. The documents, part of a defamation lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, have fueled speculation about high-profile individuals potentially connected to Epstein’s activities.
Media literacy experts note this represents a common pattern of misinformation that emerges during high-profile news events. “When major stories break, we often see old or unrelated footage repurposed to fit current narratives,” explains Dr. Emily Harmon, professor of digital media studies at Columbia University. “The emotional nature of the Epstein case makes it particularly susceptible to this kind of content manipulation.”
The misattribution highlights growing concerns about verification challenges on social media platforms. Despite X’s premium verification system, indicated by the blue checkmark, the platform has faced criticism for not adequately addressing misleading content from paying subscribers.
The Jeffrey Epstein case continues to generate significant public interest years after the disgraced financier’s 2019 death in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His former associate Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for helping to procure teenage girls for Epstein to abuse.
The recently unsealed documents, while heavily covered in media, primarily contained information already known to the public through previous reporting and court proceedings. Nevertheless, they reignited discussions about Epstein’s connections to powerful figures in business, politics, and entertainment.
Social media platforms have struggled to contain the spread of misinformation related to the case. “The Epstein story touches on themes of power, corruption, and conspiracy that naturally generate high engagement online,” notes digital misinformation researcher Marcus Webb. “This creates fertile ground for out-of-context videos and false claims to spread rapidly.”
Experts recommend users verify information through multiple credible sources before sharing content, particularly during breaking news events. Telltale signs of misleading content include dramatic claims without specific dates, locations, or reliable sourcing.
The Trump Tower, featured in the falsely labeled videos, has been a frequent site for various demonstrations over the years due to its association with former President Donald Trump, making archived footage of protests there particularly susceptible to being repurposed for current narratives.
As investigations and legal proceedings related to Epstein’s associates continue, authorities and fact-checkers anticipate further waves of misinformation. “High-profile cases with political dimensions often become magnets for misleading content,” Webb adds. “The public’s hunger for information can sometimes outpace the availability of verified facts.”
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8 Comments
Fact-checking is crucial these days to combat the spread of misinformation. It’s concerning how easily false narratives can take hold on social media. I’m glad the real story behind these videos has been uncovered.
Absolutely. We need to be vigilant about verifying claims, especially around sensitive and high-profile issues like this. Fact-checking helps maintain trust in the information we consume.
I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to identify the true origins of these viral videos. It’s a good reminder that we can’t always trust what we see online, especially around high-profile, sensitive issues. Maintaining a commitment to truth and accuracy is so important.
Fact-checking is crucial in this age of rampant misinformation. While the Epstein case is undoubtedly compelling, we must be vigilant about verifying claims before sharing them. Kudos to the fact-checkers for taking the time to set the record straight on these misleading videos.
Misleading videos like these are problematic, as they can distort public understanding of important events. I appreciate the diligent work of fact-checkers in setting the record straight. Accuracy should be the priority, not sensationalism.
It’s disheartening to see how easily misinformation can spread, even around serious matters like the Epstein case. We must all do our part to critically evaluate claims and sources before sharing information. Fact-checking is a vital service in this digital age.
Disappointing to see these unrelated videos being shared as if they were protests over the Epstein files. It’s important to verify information and not spread misinformation, even if it seems timely and relevant. I hope fact-checkers can get the truth out there.
The proliferation of these falsely captioned videos is a troubling trend. While the Epstein case understandably generates intense public interest, we cannot let that excitement override the need for verifiable facts. Kudos to the fact-checkers for setting the record straight.