Series description
Portraits of survivors and families affected by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking ring, photographed in Washington, D.C. All but one of these women has spoken publicly about the sexual abuse they say Epstein perpetrated before his death in 2019. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in recruiting and trafficking minors for sex as a longtime confidante to Epstein. She is appealing the conviction.
Jess
Jess Michaels alleges Jeffrey Epstein raped her in 1991 when she was a 22-year-old professional dancer.
© Caroline Gutman, United States, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Virginia's family
Sky Roberts, Amanda Roberts and Danny Wilson are relatives of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, a prominent Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell accuser who died by suicide in April 2025.
© Caroline Gutman, United States, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Jena-Lisa
Jena-Lisa Jones alleges she met Jeffrey Epstein in the early 2000s, when she was 14 years old. She was paid to give him a massage, during which he assaulted her.
© Caroline Gutman, United States, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Wendy
Wendy Avis hadn’t previously come forward publicly, but said she was inspired by fellow survivor Jena-Lisa Jones. Both women said they had interactions with Jeffrey Epstein at his Florida mansion; Avis said she was 14 when he abused her in the early 2000s.
© Caroline Gutman, United States, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Liz
Liz Stein was a 21-year-old intern at a luxury department store when she was introduced to Ghislaine Maxwell. Stein alleges she was raped by Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein and unnamed people they introduced her to.
© Caroline Gutman, United States, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Lisa
Lisa Phillips alleges Jeffrey Epstein groomed and sexually assaulted her in the late 1990s, when she was 21, after she first went to his private Caribbean island.
© Caroline Gutman, United States, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards