Washington, D.C. October 2025
A coalition of survivors from the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell trafficking network has issued a public statement calling on Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to immediately swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, denouncing what they describe as “political obstruction” and a “disservice to American democracy.”
The letter, signed by more than twenty survivors and family members of Virginia Giuffre, asserts that Grijalva’s delayed swearing-in is not merely procedural but may be an intentional effort to prevent her from supporting a discharge petition that would force a House vote to unseal the Epstein/Maxwell files.
“Her constituents have spoken, and their voice deserves representation without further delay,” the statement reads. “Any attempt to obstruct this vote—by manipulating House procedure or denying elected members their seats—is a direct affront to that right and adds insult to our trauma.”
A Fight for Transparency
The signatories argue that the American public has a right to full transparency about the Epstein/Maxwell investigation—one of the most controversial abuse networks of the 21st century—and that justice for survivors cannot be separated from governmental accountability.
“Every day you stall is another day survivors are denied justice, and the American people are denied the truth,” the letter continues, directly addressing Speaker Johnson. “Our trauma is not a pawn in your political games.”
The Broader Democratic Stakes
The controversy extends beyond the Epstein case. By linking Grijalva’s delay to procedural tactics within the House, the survivors highlight what they see as a troubling precedent: the use of bureaucratic maneuvering to silence elected representation and stall public transparency.
Political analysts note that Grijalva’s addition to the House could potentially tip the balance on motions tied to federal accountability in sex-trafficking oversight and sealed-records reform.
A Coalition of Voices
Among those signing the letter are Jess Michaels, Annie Farmer, Haley Robson, Lisa Phillips, Rachel Benavidez, Wendy Pesante, and several other named and anonymous survivors many of whom have spent years advocating for justice and institutional reform following Epstein’s death in federal custody.
The inclusion of Sky and Amanda Roberts and Danny and Lanette Wilson family members of Virginia Giuffre underscores the cross-generational weight of the appeal.
“Let Democracy Speak”
The letter closes with a simple but resonant demand:
“Swear in Representative Grijalva and let democracy speak.”
For the survivors, the issue transcends partisanship—it is about the integrity of the democratic process and the right of the American people to know the truth about one of the darkest scandals in modern history.