In her remarks, she tried to separate herself clearly from Epstein and argued that claims linking her to him were politically driven. She also said public testimony from survivors was necessary for the truth to be fully known and preserved. But for many people who have already spoken out, that request did not sound neutral or supportive.
Survivors responded with anger, saying they had already reported abuse, testified, and endured intense public scrutiny. In their view, being asked to relive that trauma again in a public setting ignores how much they have already carried and how often institutions have failed to protect them.
Their main argument was that the burden should no longer fall on survivors to prove their pain over and over. Instead, responsibility should rest with the systems, institutions, and powerful people who concealed evidence, exposed victims, or allowed the abuse to continue.
