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Pulitzer Cites Julie K. Brown for Epstein Exposé

5/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pulitzer Board gave a citation to Julie K. Brown, reporter, for 2017-2018 reporting on Jeffrey Epstein, praising her for giving survivors a platform and exposing the plea deal.
Her series spurred a probe, resignation of Alexander Acosta, former U.S. Attorney, Epstein’s arrest, and hundreds of millions in settlements.
Brown said the award honored women who trusted her after the board omitted her work from the 2018 and 2019 Pulitzer selections.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 Watergate break-in at the DNC headquarters sparked a Senate probe that, after Woodward and Bernstein exposed the cover-up, led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation on August 9 1974; 69 people were ultimately charged. Decades later, Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown’s 2017-18 series on Jeffrey Epstein revived a federal investigation, showing how investigative journalism can still topple powerful figures.

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Story summary

Pulitzer Board gave a citation to Julie K. Brown, reporter, for 2017-2018 reporting on Jeffrey Epstein, praising her for giving survivors a platform and exposing the plea deal.
Her series spurred a probe, resignation of Alexander Acosta, former U.S. Attorney, Epstein’s arrest, and hundreds of millions in settlements.
Brown said the award honored women who trusted her after the board omitted her work from the 2018 and 2019 Pulitzer selections.

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