The "Epstein files," a collection of documents related to the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, became a topic of discussion at the 2026 Golden Globes, with host Nikki Glaser making a joke about the heavily redacted nature of the released files. The files, which include travel logs, recordings, and emails, have been a subject of public interest since Epstein's death in 2019.
What are the Epstein Files?
The Epstein files consist of thousands of pages of documents related to investigations into the sex trafficking crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. These files encompass a wide range of materials, including photographs, contact lists, flight logs, business records, memos, and court documents. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) was compelled to release these files following the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law in November 2025.
The DOJ began releasing the files in December 2025. However, the release has been criticized for being heavily redacted and incomplete, with less than 1% of the files made public by the original deadline. The DOJ cited the need to protect the identities of Epstein's victims as the reason for the redactions and delays. As of early January 2026, millions of documents remain under review.
Golden Globes Joke
Nikki Glaser, the host of the 2026 Golden Globes, addressed the Epstein files in her opening monologue. She quipped about the "amount of star power" in the room, referring to the attendees as "A-listers" and then clarified that she meant "people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted". Glaser concluded the joke by awarding "the Golden Globe for best editing" to the Justice Department, highlighting the extensive redactions in the released files.
Michael Jackson, Kevin Spacey, and Other Notable Figures
The released Epstein files include names and images of several prominent individuals, including Michael Jackson, Kevin Spacey, and former President Bill Clinton. Photos have surfaced showing Jackson with Epstein, as well as with Clinton and Diana Ross aboard a private plane. One image shows Jackson and Epstein in front of a painting depicting a topless woman.
Kevin Spacey appears in a photo with Clinton, Maxwell, and others. In July 2025, Spacey called for the full release of the Epstein files, stating, "For those of us with nothing to fear, the truth can't come soon enough". Spacey has acknowledged flying on Epstein's plane with Clinton but claims he was unaware of Epstein's activities at the time.
Mick Jagger also appears in the files, with one photograph showing him dining with Epstein, Clinton, and Maxwell. Other notable figures who have been mentioned in connection with Epstein include Donald Trump, Prince Andrew, and numerous other individuals from the entertainment, political, and financial spheres. Authorities have stressed that the appearance of any person's name in the Epstein files does not suggest any criminal behavior.
The release of the Epstein files has been met with both anticipation and skepticism. While some hope the files will reveal the full extent of Epstein's network and bring justice to his victims, others fear that the redactions and delays will prevent the truth from coming to light. The DOJ has stated that more files will be released in the coming weeks.
