Former Epstein Assistant Testifies, Naming New Alleged Abusers

On May 21, 2026, former Epstein aide Sarah Kellen testified before the House Oversight Committee, naming three individuals—celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai, former Miami Beach mayor Philip Levine, and late fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier—as having sexually assaulted or exposed themselves to her. The committee had not previously known of these accusations.

CNNWWDPBS News HourMiami HeraldThe GuardianFormer Jeffrey Epstein assistant tells House Oversight Committee he abused her for years

Kellen worked for Epstein from 2001 until his 2019 death, handling travel and scheduling for his network of underage girls. In 2007 she was listed as a potential co-conspirator in a non-prosecution agreement that granted Epstein immunity, a designation she has contested as a mischaracterization of her role.

Former Jeffrey Epstein assistant tells House Oversight Committee he abused her for years

The central figures are Kellen and the three accused men. DOJ files show Epstein spent “thousands of dollars” at Frédéric Fekkai’s salons and record at least four requests by Fekkai to use Epstein’s apartments, including a 2010 massage appointment. Philip Levine’s emails reveal a 2003 effort to arrange a meeting between Epstein and a former Sephora managing director. Patrick Demarchelier died in 2022, and no DOJ interview of him appears. None of the three men face criminal charges.

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Committee Chair Rep. James Comer described the interview as the most substantive and productive hearing, saying the new leads could help the investigation and stating he views Kellen as a victim. Philip Levine told WLRN he met Epstein only a few times, never visited his island, and expressed regret about the association. Fekkai’s spokesperson Mark Herr called the assault allegation categorically false and asserted that Fekkai never abused anyone.

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Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi urged a subpoena, arguing voluntary testimony left “many unanswered questions about other actors.” Legal analysts note the DOJ files contain no interview of Demarchelier and no direct evidence linking him to the alleged exposure, creating a verification gap. While financial ties between Fekkai and Epstein are documented, the files lack proof of sexual misconduct. No criminal investigations have been opened against any of the three men.

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The testimony gives the Oversight Committee new leads that could expand the federal probe into Epstein’s network and potentially implicate high-profile individuals. It also highlights how victims labeled as co-conspirators are treated and whether congressional oversight can compel further investigations.

The Guardian

• “He groomed me, sexually and psychologically abused me, controlled me, manipulated me, dominated me, and gaslit me until I could no longer tell which thoughts were mine and which were his.” — Sarah Kellen, former personal assistant to Jeffrey Epstein

PBS News Hour

• “The new names, that’s what we’ve been waiting for,” — Rep. James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee

CNN

• “I regret ever meeting him,” he said at the time.” — Philip Levine, former Miami Beach mayor, in a statement to WLRN

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