False Claims Connecting “Epstein Files” to Movie Footage Continue to Circulate Online

Misleading images purportedly showing “evidence” from the Jeffrey Epstein case files have gained traction on social media platforms, highlighting the ongoing challenge of misinformation surrounding high-profile legal cases.

The images in question depict children and adults seated at a table with what appears to be human flesh. These visuals have been widely shared across multiple platforms, with users claiming they represent newly released evidence from the Epstein investigation documents.

However, fact-checking reveals these claims are entirely false. The images actually originate from the 2007 horror film “Thanksgiving,” directed by Eli Roth. The movie was featured as a mock trailer within the larger anthology film “Grindhouse,” a collaborative project between acclaimed directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez.

“Thanksgiving” was one of several fake movie trailers created for “Grindhouse,” which combined two feature films with mock previews to recreate the experience of 1970s exploitation double features. The intentionally shocking and graphic nature of these trailers was designed to pay homage to low-budget horror films of that era.

This is not the first instance of entertainment media being repurposed to spread misinformation related to the Epstein case. Since the release of court documents connected to Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal proceedings in early January 2024, social media has seen a surge in false claims and manipulated media attempting to link various public figures to Epstein’s crimes.

Media literacy experts point to this incident as part of a growing trend where fictional content is decontextualized and presented as evidence in high-profile cases. “The emotional nature of cases involving alleged crimes against children makes this type of misinformation particularly viral,” explains Dr. Claire Wardle, a disinformation researcher at the Information Futures Lab. “People are quick to share content that confirms their existing suspicions without verifying the source.”

The Epstein case continues to generate significant public interest years after the financier’s 2019 death in prison. Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was later convicted on multiple charges related to sex trafficking and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Court documents related to the case have been released in batches over the past few years, fueling both legitimate reporting and a parallel ecosystem of conspiracy theories and false claims. The most recent document release in January 2024 contained previously sealed materials from a 2015 civil lawsuit against Maxwell by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers.

Social media platforms have struggled to contain the spread of misinformation related to the case. While many platforms have implemented fact-checking systems, the volume and viral nature of such content often outpaces moderation efforts.

Digital literacy advocates recommend that users verify information before sharing, particularly when content makes sensational claims. This includes checking the original source, consulting multiple reputable news outlets, and being wary of content that triggers strong emotional reactions.

As investigations and court proceedings related to Epstein’s associates continue, the challenge of separating fact from fiction remains significant for both the public and media organizations covering the case. This latest incident serves as a reminder of how easily fictional content can be weaponized to spread misinformation about high-profile legal matters.