The 2015 Interview
In 2015, ABC News reporter Amy Robach conducted a recorded interview with Virginia GiuffreEpstein’s most prominent accuser. Giuffre’s account in the interview included:
- Detailed allegations about Epstein’s trafficking operation
- Specific allegations about prominent public figures, including Prince Andrew
- Discussion of documents, photographs, and corroborating evidence
The Decision Not to Air
ABC News executives reviewed the interview and declined to air it. Robach later described being told the story “didn’t have enough” to broadcast, citing:
- Buckingham Palace’s refusal to comment
- Concerns about securing additional corroborating sources
- The network’s legal and editorial standards
The story was shelved and not aired despite Giuffre’s detailed account.
The 2019 Leak
In 2019after Epstein’s arrest, death, and the post-mortem media explosiona leaked recording of Robach speaking candidly to a colleague about the killed story was obtained and published by Project Veritas. In the recording, Robach expressed frustration that the story had not aired: “I had this story! I had all of it…”
The Fallout
The leak triggered significant internal controversy at ABC. A staffer accused of leaking the recording was fired.
The Broader Implication
The ABC News situation was one of several examples of major American media organizations having access to the Epstein story years before 2018 and choosing not to pursue it. It represents one of the most discussed media failures in the case.