Danielle Bensky, an Epstein survivor and advocate for other survivors, is leading the charge. She’s denounced former President Donald Trump, who once condescendingly referred to the fight to unseal Epstein-related files a “hoax.” Bensky, who endured abuse from Epstein when she was 17, expressed her frustration with Trump’s remarks. She participated in a press conference earlier this year during a national demonstration at the U.S. Capitol. The event aimed to bring attention to the ongoing campaign for transparency regarding Epstein’s notorious activities and those who facilitated them.
At 39, Bensky looks back on how, as a promising ballerina. In 2004, Epstein lured her to provide massages at his Manhattan townhouse. She thought Epstein was a doctor, given his medical credentials. She knew he was the one who could save her mother, who at the time was suffering from a brain tumor. Sadly, Bensky’s optimism soon turned to disgust as Epstein’s exploitation progressed from abuse to rape once she reached adulthood at 18.
On Tuesday, Bensky joined fellow survivors, holding up photographs of their younger selves as they advocated for the release of Epstein’s files. She reiterated her desire to see Epstein’s enablers of abuse brought to justice.
Bensky said it was wrong for Trump to politicize what could have been an extremely beautiful moment in our nation’s history. This victory marked an incredible moment for women and survivors across the world. And more than anything, she says, Trump’s dismissal throws shade on the hard work of every survivor who has participated in this movement.
Bensky’s interviews with talented artists, activists, and survivors—such as Maria Farmer and Chauntae Davies—shone a light on their experiences. Tragically, Virginia Giuffre passed on her own to life this past April. She pointed to the moves against Prince Andrew as a major victory. Tainted by his indiscriminate friendship with Epstein, this decision is a significant and positive step toward ensuring sexual abusers cannot evade accountability.
We aren’t out here trying to get anyone in trouble, we just want everyone held to account. That’s it, Bensky stated. Just like the UK’s doing. She raised concerns about the integrity of evidence going missing and a need to avoid large redactions in the released files. I would like to see them do the right thing, and release all of these in full. Still, at this juncture, we are most afraid of evidence disappearing and significant redaction,” she said.
Bensky further considered the psychic toll that the Epstein ordeal has had on her daily life. Coming out of that was extremely difficult and I disassociated quite a bit. I never wanted to look at myself in leotard and tights and I stopped dancing for quite a while. I believe that completely changed the trajectory of my life,” she said.
Overcoming all of these obstacles, she eventually made her return to choreography and today teaches dance. It’s her students that motivate her to continue the long fight for equity and justice. She is eager to help establish a safer climate for her children and grandchildren. Those little girls and boys that I teach really have fuelled this fight for me because I just want to change it for them and make sure they never have to go through another thing like this,” Bensky detailed.
Fruedenthal Bensky systemic oppression and inequality must be addressed in order to make social change more than just a buzzword. Much of this challenge is, unfortunately, ingrained in systemic issues. It’s time for us to act by tearing down these oppressive statues and monuments, awarding scholarship money under new names, and making certain these scholarships recognize the people who actually deserve it. It starts with small wins. From there, we can start to see meaningful change in who we celebrate in this country,” she said.