Dua Lipa Criticizes Epstein Files Conversation Over Impact on Victims

Dua Lipa is voicing her frustration over the media’s framing of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, specifically highlighting a perceived lack of empathy for the survivors. During the March 15 episode of her Service95 book club podcast, the pop star sat down with author Roxane Gay to discuss how language shapes public perception of trauma.

The singer argued that the terminology used in news reports often minimizes the severity of the crimes committed by the late billionaire. “The way that the crimes have been reported, and the language that’s been used, has been doing such a disservice to all the victims,” Lipa explained to her guest.

She expressed deep concern that the media tends to use euphemisms that soften the reality of child exploitation and human trafficking. “I keep thinking about all the stories that talk about the underage girls and the s*x parties, rather than writing about the victims that were children who were trafficked,” she noted.

Lipa suggested that this choice of words serves to shield the public from the horrific nature of the events or to protect certain interests. “It’s putting everything under some kind of veil to protect — I don’t know who, [maybe] the reader — or trying to mask what is happening,” she continued.

The discussion comes in the wake of a massive document release in early 2024 that detailed many high-profile associations with Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. While names like Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and Bill Gates appeared in the files, Lipa believes the focus has shifted too far toward celebrity gossip.

Maxwell is currently serving a twenty-year sentence for her role in the sex-trafficking operation, while Epstein died in 2019 before his trial could conclude. The fallout from the document release has also rattled the music industry, leading to the downfall of major power players like Casey Wasserman.

Wasserman recently stepped down and sold his talent agency after his past correspondence with Maxwell was brought to light in the files. High-profile artists like Chappell Roan and Orville Peck cut ties with the agency shortly after the emails became public knowledge.

Wasserman issued a statement expressing his remorse over the communications, which he claimed occurred decades before the full extent of the crimes was known. “I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light,” he stated.

Lipa’s willingness to tackle such a heavy subject is consistent with her history of political and social activism. She has frequently used her massive platform to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support Palestinian rights.

Aside from her advocacy work, Lipa has remained a dominant force in the global music scene following the release of her third studio album. Radical Optimism debuted in 2024 to critical acclaim, showcasing a more psychedelic and Britpop-influenced sound compared to her previous work.

The album produced hit singles like Houdini and Training Season while reaching the second spot on the Billboard 200. In addition to her musical output, Lipa has successfully expanded her Service95 brand into a comprehensive lifestyle newsletter and podcast series.

The singer has also made significant strides in the film industry, appearing in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie and the spy thriller Argylle. In Barbie, she played Mermaid Barbie and contributed the lead single Dance the Night to the movie’s soundtrack.

Have something to add? Share your thoughts in the comments.