Dershowitz Sounds Alarm Over ‘Epstein McCarthyism’ in New File Release

Former Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz has raised concerns about the potential for “Epstein McCarthyism” following the release of new files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a recent interview.

In a discussion with Greta Van Susteren, Dershowitz emphasized that complete disclosure of all information should be made available without redactions. He warned that releasing names of individuals accused without providing them with the identities of those who accused them could undermine the legal system.

Dershowitz stated: “What I’m scared of is this new Epstein McCarthyism. You name the names, but you don’t give the information to those who are accused, necessary to show that the accusations are false.”

He explained that such a process risks shaking the foundation of the legal system by failing to disclose that accusers may have a history of perjury and fabricated claims. Dershowitz recounted his own experience of being falsely accused of criminal impropriety. With knowledge of the accuser’s identity, he was able to disprove the allegations and have them dropped. However, without such information, individuals could be trapped in a “nightmare.”

He added: “They should release everything. There should be no redactions. If you’re somebody who’s accused somebody, you no longer have the right to privacy under our Constitution. Anybody who’s accused has the right to confront witnesses. We can’t assume that everybody who accuses is a victim.”

Dershowitz, a civil libertarian, stressed his commitment to real victims but also cautioned against prosecuting false victims: “I care about real victims. But false victims should be prosecuted.”

The Justice Department recently released thousands of new files related to Epstein’s prosecution.