&w=3840&q=100)
Who is Maria Farmer, the Epstein accuser linking Trump to sex offender?
Maria Farmer is believed to be the first Jeffrey Epstein victim who went to the authorities. Image courtesy: mariafarmerart.com
One of Jeffrey Epstein's first accusers is now linking US President Donald Trump to the late, disgraced financier.
Maria Farmer, an artist in her 50s, has claimed she had a 'troubling encounter' with Trump back in the 1990s.
Farmer and her younger sister Annie both testified at Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking trial.
She claimed she urged the police in 1996 and later the Federal Bureau of Investigation to look into Epstein's social circle.
The development comes amid Trump suing the Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over a bombshell story over his ties to Epstein.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
But who is Farmer? What do we know about her? And what has she said?
Let's take a closer look
Who is Farmer?
Farmer is an American visual artist.
She has said that she met Epstein when she was a student at the New York Academy of Art.
Farmer has claimed she was introduced to Epstein by Elaine Guggenheim, who was the dean of the academy at that time – a claim the New York Academy of Art has denied.
Guggenheim has said she is 'distantly related' to the family behind the Guggenheim Museum.
Farmer worked for Epstein in 1995 and 1996.
She said he initially wanted her to buy art on his behalf.
Farmer accused Epstein and Maxwell of assaulting her at the Ohio estate of Les Wexner.
Wexner, an associate of Epstein, is the ex-chairman of Limited Brands.
Farmer said she later found out that Maxwell assaulted her sister Annie at Epstein's New Mexico ranch.
Farmer, who fled New York in the aftermath of the allegations, accused Maxwell of intimidating her and trying to destroy her reputation.
Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019 in a US prison. Many in the Maga movement have for years alleged that he was murdered by the 'deep state'. Reuters/File Photo
'I was terrified of Maxwell and Epstein and I moved a number of times to try to hide from them,' Farmer stated in an affidavit filed last year.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Farmer has said she kept a low-profile over the past two decades.
She has been earning money selling antiques and restoring old houses.
She was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019.
In 2020, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
What has she said?
Farmer said she took her concern about Epstein and his associates to the authorities.
She said she first approached the New York Police Department's Sixth District in 1996.
Nearly a decade later, in 2006, she was interviewed by the FBI.
Farmer claimed she told the authorities to look at the relationship between Epstein and high-profile celebrities like Trump and politicians like Bill Clinton.
She said she mentioned Trump specifically because the two men 'seemed so close'.
Farmer has claimed she has a 'troubling encounter' with Trump in the 1990s.
At the time, she was a teenager and Trump was a real-estate developer.
Farmer, who was working for Epstein in 1995, arrived at his offices in Manhattan after getting an unexpected call from him.
Farmer, who was wearing running shorts, claimed Trump, who was in a business suit, 'stared at her bare legs'.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
She said she remembered feeling scared. Then, Epstein came into the room.
He told Trump 'no, no. She's not here for you.'
The men then left the room, she said.
Donald Trump had once called Jeffrey Epstein a friend. File Photo/Reuters
Farmer claimed she heard Trump say that she looked 16-years-old.
The White House has denied the incident ever occurred.
'The president was never in [Epstein's] office. The fact is that the president kicked him out of his club for being a creep," White House communications director Steven Cheung said.
The Epstein controversy has created a major fissure between Trump and his loyal base, with some of his most vocal supporters slamming the White House for the way it has handled the case, and questioning why Trump would not want the documents made public.
Trump had promised to sue the Wall Street Journal almost immediately after the paper put a new spotlight on his well-documented relationship with Epstein by publishing an article that described a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper says bore Trump's name and was included in a 2003 album compiled for Epstein's 50th birthday.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Trump denied writing the letter, calling the story 'false, malicious, and defamatory.'
The suit, filed in filed in federal court in Miami, accuses the paper and its reporters of having 'knowingly and recklessly' published 'numerous false, defamatory, and disparaging statements,' which, it alleges, caused 'overwhelming financial and reputational harm' to the president.
With inputs from agencies
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
‘Oh my god, my face looks chubby today': Katrina Kaif on struggling with critical self talk; counsellor shares how to break free
Katrina Kaif has long been admired for her beauty and confidence, but behind the flawless red-carpet appearances and stunning magazine covers, the Bollywood star has battled her inner critic. 'I'd often look in the mirror and think, Oh my god, my face looks chubby today,' she admitted candidly in a recent Vogue India interview. 'But someone else might see you and think you look fantastic. That self-criticism is what I'm working on—reminding myself to be kinder.' For the actor-entrepreneur, self-acceptance has been a personal journey deeply intertwined with her brand, Kay Beauty, which champions inclusivity and encourages women to celebrate their uniqueness. 'I remember being 16 and reading Vogue,' she recalls. 'It's how I learned about beauty and where I first recognised the importance of not perpetuating stereotypes. That's become so important to me over the years because I've gone through my own battles with self-acceptance.' Counselling psychologist Priyamvada Tendulkar explains that negative self-talk about physical appearance is deeply ingrained in societal conditioning, past experiences, and personal insecurities. 'It can erode self-worth, leading to shame, avoidance behaviors, or excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws,' she says. One of the biggest hurdles? The belief that self-worth is tied to appearance. 'Your worth is not dependent on how you look, how much you weigh, or whether you meet societal beauty standards,' Tendulkar emphasises. 'Pretty is not the rent you need to pay to exist in this world as a female,' she says, paraphrasing American lexicographer Erin McKean's quote. So, how do we silence that inner critic? Tendulkar shares some powerful mindset shifts: 🔹 Shift the focus from appearance to self-experience. Instead of asking, How do I look? ask, How do I feel in my body today? 🔹 See yourself as a whole person, not just a body. You are more than just a nose, thighs, or skin texture—you are a complex, valuable human being. 🔹 Practice self-compassion. 'Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend struggling with body image issues,' she advises. She also highlights the power of reframing negative thoughts: ✅ Catch the Thought. Pause and ask: Is this factual or just conditioned negativity? ✅ Replace with a Balanced Thought. Instead of I look terrible today, try I don't love how I look today, but my appearance doesn't define me. Shame about appearance thrives in secrecy and comparison—but it loses power when we reclaim our narrative. Here are a few ways to break free from toxic body ideals: ✔️ Name it to tame it. Say aloud: I feel insecure about my ___ today, and that's okay. Acknowledging the feeling reduces its power. ✔️ Use self-expression as joy, not correction. Fashion, makeup, or styling should be about having fun—not fixing yourself. ✔️ Shift from objectification to functionality. Instead of How does my body look? Ask what amazing things my body does for me every day. And most importantly—stop chasing perfection. 'Self-love isn't about always feeling beautiful,' Tendulkar says. 'It's about loving yourself even when you don't.'
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
What do the Epstein files reveal about Donald Trump? Here's the latest
In Washington, U.S. lawmakers have escalated pressure on the Justice Department over the Jeffrey Epstein files following multiple emerging developments: Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly informed Donald Trump in May that his name appears in internal Epstein records; Republicans ended a House session early amid internal conflict over a vote on pressing DOJ disclosures; and Justice Department officials met with imprisoned Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to explore possible leads. Against this backdrop, bipartisan calls have intensified for Bondi to testify before Congress Also Read: Republican rumblings: on Trump and the Epstein files What is the background of the Jeffrey Epstein case? Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in a federal jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. He was previously convicted in 2008 in Florida for soliciting a minor, serving a controversial sentence that allowed him work release. Epstein's re-arrest in 2019 reignited public scrutiny over how he operated an alleged trafficking ring for years, often involving underage girls, with little accountability. Since his death, questions have remained about the extent of his connections, including to prominent global figures, and whether U.S. authorities have withheld critical information. In February 2025, the DOJ released an initial batch of declassified documents, including redacted flight logs and Epstein's contact book. However, many of these materials were already public. What are the latest developments in the Epstein files investigation? Congressional subpoena: On July 23, the House Oversight Subcommittee formally subpoenaed the DOJ, demanding the release of all Epstein-related records, including sealed files, internal DOJ communications, and evidence not yet made public. Maxwell to testify: Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned former girlfriend of Epstein, is expected to testify before Congress on August 11. A closed-door interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has already taken place. Trump's name in files: U.S. President Donald Trump was told in May 2025 that his name appears 'multiple times' in the Epstein files. The White House has acknowledged the inclusion but emphasised that it is based on unverified references. Court rejects file unsealing: A Florida judge has blocked the DOJ's request to unseal grand jury records, citing legal protections. A similar petition remains under review in New York. $1.5 billion in suspicious transactions: Senator Ron Wyden has alleged that Treasury Department documents indicate over $1.5 billion in wire transfers tied to Epstein's network. He claims the DOJ has withheld these suspicious activity reports (SARs) from Congress. What do the Jeffrey Epstein files contain? According to the DOJ, the Epstein files include over 300 gigabytes of digital content and tens of thousands of images and videos, many involving minors and explicit content. The seized physical materials include flight manifests, photo albums, architectural plans of Epstein's residences, cash bundles, and contact directories. Authorities say that most of these materials remain sealed due to their illicit nature and the need to protect the victims' identities. What happens next in the Epstein investigation? The US House Oversight Subcommittee's subpoena may require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release more documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, unless blocked by the courts. Ghislaine Maxwell is expected to testify before Congress in August. Her closed-door meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in Florida was part of the DOJ's ongoing efforts to respond to calls for transparency. Mr Blanche said on social media that President Donald Trump had asked officials to 'release all credible evidence'. He added that the FBI and DOJ would review any information Maxwell provides on crimes involving victims. Also Read: Pam Bondi | Bonding for cover Meanwhile, lawmakers Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna have introduced the 'Epstein Files Transparency Act'. If supported by 218 members of the House of Representatives, it would direct the Attorney General to release all unclassified DOJ records related to Epstein. The outcome will influence how much more information becomes public in the coming months.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Samantha Ruth Prabhu shares her clean, anti-inflammatory diet plan; reveals ghee, broccoli, and sprouts are must-haves
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has always impressed her fans, not just with her acting, but also with her healthy lifestyle and commitment to fitness. The actress revealed that she now follows an anti-inflammatory diet and explained how her understanding of health has changed over the years. The actress recently shared more about her food choices and diet habits in a chat with celebrity nutritionist Ryan Fernando, giving everyone a closer look at how carefully she now plans her meals. She explained how her views changed over time Samantha spoke about how, as a teenager, she was naturally skinny and never put on weight. She explained, 'I didn't know that it was not just about the weight, but also about inflammation that could manifest in many other ways. My diet is mostly anti-inflammatory. It's basically about finding what does not work for you and eliminating that.' No cheat meals, no break from routine For many people, cheat days are part of their routine, but not for Samantha. She admitted that she doesn't believe in cheat days and prefers to keep her meals consistent. 'I do breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Maybe my breakfast is mostly smoothies. This is followed by lunch and dinner.' She said she enjoys eating the same thing every day and has grown used to this way of living. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo Loves broccoli, avoids spinach and kale Samantha is quite clear about what vegetables she likes. She shared that she enjoys adding cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli to her meals because they are packed with nutrients. However, she also admitted that not all greens are favourites. She said she is not a fan of spinach or kale, even though they are commonly used in healthy diets. Celery, berries and ghee on her plate The actress also makes sure to include other healthy foods like celery, acai berries, turmeric, ghee, and cold-pressed oils in her daily meals. These are full of healthy fats and are known for their wellness benefits. Her food choices show how much care she takes to eat only what is good for her body, especially as part of her anti-inflammatory diet. No celebrity chef, just her assistant While many stars have personal chefs to cook for them, Samantha keeps things more personal. She revealed that her assistant has learned how to cook her meals and even goes with her during shoots to make sure she stays on track with her diet. This thoughtful and simple approach reflects her dedication to her health, even while juggling a busy shooting schedule. On the work front, Samantha was last seen in 'Citadel: Honey Bunny', the Indian version of the American spy series 'Citadel'. The show was directed by Raj and DK and starred Varun Dhawan alongside Samantha.
