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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Elections & Politics

Epstein Scandal Intensifies: US Congress Names Three Figures, Including Lady Diana's Photographer

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A US Congress investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sex trafficking ring has named three prominent men.
  • Former assistant Sarah Kellen reportedly identified the individuals during closed-door testimony.
  • The accused include celebrity hairstylist Frederic Fekkai, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, and fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier.

A U.S. Congressional investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's alleged network has entered a new phase, with former assistant Sarah Kellen reportedly naming three men she claims were involved in sexual abuse.

According to sources familiar with the closed-door testimony at Capitol Hill, Kellen identified celebrity hairstylist Frederic Fekkai, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, and renowned French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier. The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, reportedly heard these accusations during an interview last Thursday.

Patrick Demarchelier, who passed away in 2022, was a globally influential fashion photographer known for his elegant and glamorous style, frequently featured in magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. He gained significant recognition in the late 1980s as Princess Diana's personal photographer, becoming the first non-British photographer entrusted by the British royal family to capture images of the princess. His work significantly shaped Diana's image as a humanitarian icon and global fashion symbol.

Kellen reportedly accused Fekkai and Levine of sexual harassment. She also claimed Demarchelier exposed himself to her. One source indicated Kellen alleged Fekkai assaulted her in a hotel room in Hawaii in the early 2000s while they were traveling to meet a modeling agent.

Fekkai's representatives have denied all accusations, with spokesperson Mark Herr stating Fekkai never engaged in illegal acts or had knowledge of Epstein's alleged human trafficking activities. "Mr. Fekkai has never abused anyone. He was unaware of Epsteinโ€™s depravity or human trafficking," Herr said. Levine previously told local media that he met Epstein only a few times and regretted any association, asserting he never conducted business with Epstein, visited his private island, or traveled on his private jet.

Mr. Fekkai has never abused anyone. He was unaware of Epsteinโ€™s depravity or human trafficking.

· Mark HerrFekkai's spokesperson denying accusations.
About this summary

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.