Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) held a roundtable discussion with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on April 28, 2024 [1].

The meeting occurred as King Charles III delivered a historic address to the U.S. Congress during his first state visit as monarch [2]. By organizing the event during the royal visit, Khanna sought to leverage the international spotlight to press the British monarchy for an acknowledgement of the survivors' suffering [3].

Khanna represents California's 17th congressional district [4]. During the events surrounding the visit, he emphasized the need for accountability and visibility for those affected by Epstein's crimes. "I think it's important that the King acknowledges the survivors," Khanna said [5].

The roundtable provided a platform for survivors and their families to share their experiences, while the King's visit aimed to reinforce diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the U.K. [3]. The timing of the protest and discussion highlighted the contrast between the formal state ceremonies and the demands for justice from the survivors.

In response to the pressure for a royal statement, the British ambassador to the United States addressed the issue. "There will be an acknowledgement of the survivors," the ambassador said [6].

King Charles III's address to Congress marked a significant diplomatic milestone in his early reign [2]. However, the presence of Epstein survivors in the capital served as a reminder of unresolved grievances and the desire for official recognition of the harm caused by the financier's network [3].

“"I think it's important that the King acknowledges the survivors."”

The coordination of this roundtable with a high-profile state visit demonstrates a strategic use of diplomatic windows to elevate human rights concerns. By timing the event to coincide with King Charles III's first address to Congress, Representative Khanna transformed a ceremonial occasion into a catalyst for official accountability, forcing the British embassy to commit to a public acknowledgement of the survivors.