In a charged House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, Democrats challenged Attorney General Pam Bondi to directly address the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, who were present in the hearing room. The oversight focused on the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein case, with particular scrutiny on Bondi's actions.

Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the panel's top Democrat, introduced the victims to Bondi during his opening remarks. “To promote justice for the people, you’ve got to listen to the victims, like the women seated behind you today,” Raskin emphasized. He pointed out that these women were part of the hundreds of survivors from Epstein's global sex trafficking operations seeking truth and accountability.

Despite Raskin’s introduction, Bondi had not met with the victims prior to the hearing. In her response, Bondi defended her record and expressed her general regret over the victims' suffering. “I’m a career prosecutor... I am deeply sorry for what any victim, any victim, has been through, especially as a result of that monster,” she declared.

The hearing took a dramatic turn when Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) asked Bondi to turn and personally apologize to the victims behind her. Bondi rebuffed the request, dismissing it as political theatrics. “I am not going to get in the gutter for her theatrics," Bondi retorted.

Adding to the intensity, Jayapal requested the victims to stand and indicate by a show of hands those who hadn’t been able to meet with the Justice Department to share their stories. All present raised their hands, illustrating a disconnect between the victims and the Justice Department.

The controversy surrounding Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files was further highlighted by her previous comments on Fox News, where she claimed to be reviewing Epstein-related materials, only to later announce that no files would be released. This has led to bipartisan criticism, especially after Congress mandated the nearly complete release of the Epstein files, which the Justice Department has delayed, leading to accusations of excessive redactions and potential compromises to the victims' privacy.

This hearing underscores the ongoing tension and demand for accountability in the Epstein case, spotlighting the victims' continuous struggle for justice and the political and procedural hurdles they encounter.