On December 21, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a statement addressing concerns over newly released files, saying that some photos were temporarily removed after individuals claiming to be victims and their lawyers requested certain photos to be taken down. 

Earlier, on December 19, the DOJ released two new batches of court records related to late financier Jeffrey Epstein, including grand jury materials and case files tied to Ghislaine Maxwell. More than 550 pages were fully or partially redacted, fueling questions over missing files and unexplained takedowns.

Epstein had close connections with many prominent American political and business figures. After being arrested on sexual offense charges, he died in prison in August 2019, in what was officially ruled a suicide.