
Jeffrey Epstein's network of high-profile pals has been laid bare amid the dramatic release of documents by the US Department of Justice.
On Friday (19 December), thousands of files - including court records, footage and images - related to the convicted sex offender were finally shared with the public.
The US Department of Justice was legally obligated to do so after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act last month.
Tens of thousands of records relating to Epstein have already been released through civil and criminal cases in the US, but the latest trove of documents is a bit different.
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This latest cache includes 'all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials' concerning the disgraced financier and his former girlfriend, sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.
Paperwork, photos and footage have previously been published by the House Oversight Committee, which were obtained through subpoenas.

The haul of files that were released yesterday include documents from two different criminal investigations into Epstein's sexual abuse of teenage girls.
The photos released were taken by the FBI during searches of his New York City home, and his pads in the US Virgin Islands.
However, a ton of information has once again been redacted.
Content which would jeopardise current investigations, harm US national security and foreign policy goals or reveal information about Epstein’s victims has not been publicised.
There's still a lot to look into though, including a multitude of images showing Epstein rubbing shoulders with famous faces, such as late singer Michael Jackson and actor Chris Tucker.

It is not the first time we've seen photos of the late 66-year-old alongside celebrities, royals and politicians, but this latest batch has still managed to surprise people.
The images provide an insight into who ran in the same circles as Epstein - and there's a host of household names.
Former US president Bill Clinton has already shared a scathing response after fresh pictures showing him arm-in-arm with Epstein emerged.
None of the photographs suggest any wrongdoing, and they are all undated, meaning it is unclear when and where they were taken, while it is also not known who took them.
Here's a rundown of the celebrities who have been pictured in the Epstein files that were released on Friday:
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton appears in several images - including one where he stands with his hand over Michael Jackson's shoulder, while Diana Ross grins in the background.
In another, he is seen swimming in a pool alongside an unidentified woman and who appears to be Maxwell.
One snap also shows him lying on his back in what is believed to be a hot tub, with his hands resting behind his head.
According to Clinton's camp, the images are decades old and were taken before he 'cut Epstein off' before his 'crimes coming to light'.


He was also seen swimming alongside Maxwell and another woman (Department of Justice)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor also makes another appearance in the latest snaps and he is seen lay across the legs of five women while Maxwell stands behind him.
According to Sky News, the image was taken at a royal residence - the 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Other photos reportedly show the former prince taking Epstein and Maxwell on a hunting trip at Balmoral, according to The Times.

The trio on a hunting trip (Department of Justice)

Sarah Ferguson
Mountbatten-Windsor's former wife Sarah Ferguson also features in a number of images that were released on Friday.
The ex-Duchess of York is seen smiling on the street alongside women whose faces have been redacted.
Another shows her sat on a sofa while appearing to chat to another woman, who's identity has also been protected.


Sir Mick Jagger
Rolling Stones rocker Sir Mick Jagger was seen in numerous photos, too.
One shows him flanked by Maxwell, Clinton and Epstein at a dinner table.
Jagger and the former president also posed alongside an unidentified woman.

The Rolling Stones frontman, Clinton and an unknown woman (Department of Justice)

Michael Jackson
The 'King of Pop' appears in a few photos alongside Epstein and stars such as Diana Ross.
In one, Michael Jackson is seen posing alongside the sex offender while sporting a black suit and a red shirt.
Another depicts him alongside Clinton, an unidentified woman and The Supremes star Ross. Again, it is unclear when and where these were taken.

The late singer and Epstein in an undisclosed location (Department of Justice)

Richard Branson
Billionaire Richard Branson is pictured barefoot alongside Epstein in one snap.
He sports a white t-shirt, shorts and sunglasses on his head while smiling for the camera.
Two women can be seen lurking in the background.

Kevin Spacey
Actor Kevin Spacey is seen grinning in a photograph which is believed to have been taken in London's Churchill War Rooms.
He's standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Clinton and three other men, as well as Maxwell. Another shows the group in conversation in the same location.
A third image also shows Clinton walking behind Spacey in what appears to be a park, while outstretching his arms as if to put his hands on the screen star's shoulders.


The pair were also pictured in what appears to be a park (Department of Justice)

Walter Cronkite
Respected broadcaster Walter Cronkite can be seen chatting to Epstein and another man in one of the images.
The late 92-year-old, who was previously dubbed 'the most trusted man in America', is seen sat on a white sofa facing the financier.
A tray of food and drink, as well as several magazines, are spread out in front of the men.

The late broadcaster was pictured alongside Epstein and an unknown man (Department of Justice)

Chris Tucker
Rush Hour star Chris Tucker also features in the images released by the Department of Justice.
In one, he is seen with his arm around Maxwell on what appears to be an airport runway.
Others show the comedian suited and booted at a dinner table, while throwing his arms up towards the camera.

Chris Tucker seen at what looks like a dinner party (Department of Justice)

David Copperfield

Donning white robes, magician David Copperfield smiles alongside Maxwell in one snap.
The pair are seen with loads of sweets, while the famous illusionist also holds a bowl in his hand.
Maxwell is seen clutching a package of 'candy stampers', which appear to be some kind of novelty confectionery.
Topics: Jeffrey Epstein, US News, Celebrity, Politics