Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Photos Link NYT's Brooks to Epstein Event, Sparks Outrage

12/19/2025

46 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On December 18, 2025, House Democrats released photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate showing David Brooks, a New York Times columnist, with Sergey Brin, Google co-founder, at a 2011 event.
The images raise questions about Brooks' previous dismissal of the Epstein scandal.
Brooks says he had no contact with Epstein and was unaware of his presence.
Critics say he should have disclosed attendance in his columns.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting an underage girl for prostitution, resulting in a controversial plea deal that included a mere 13-month jail sentence. His 2019 death in custody, ruled a suicide, sparked widespread outrage and conspiracy theories, leading to ongoing scrutiny of his connections with powerful figures like Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, and calls for reforms in sex trafficking laws and prison protocols.

1 of 2

Story summary

On December 18, 2025, House Democrats released photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate showing David Brooks, a New York Times columnist, with Sergey Brin, Google co-founder, at a 2011 event.
The images raise questions about Brooks' previous dismissal of the Epstein scandal.
Brooks says he had no contact with Epstein and was unaware of his presence.
Critics say he should have disclosed attendance in his columns.

1 / 2