Fact Check: viral Image Falsely Depicts María Corina Machado with Jeffrey Epstein
A digitally altered image circulating online falsely portrays Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado seated near convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. this claim is false. The image is a fabricated montage constructed from authentic photographs released as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s inquiry into Epstein’s activities.
The original photographs, publicly available through the Department of Justice, depict Epstein at an equestrian event in Ohio. He is seated next to a woman, two seats away from businessman Leslie Wexner and one seat from Wexner’s wife, Abigail Wexner. these images can be found in datasets released by the DOJ, specifically: EFTA00003434.pdf, EFTA00245526.pdf, and EFTA00004975.pdf.
A close comparison of the manipulated image with the original DOJ photographs reveals key discrepancies. While the altered image attempts to depict Machado wearing white pants, the original images clearly show Abigail Wexner in the same attire and position. Leslie Wexner’s posture is also consistent across both the original and fabricated images, further indicating the use of existing photographs in the creation of the false depiction.
Crucially, María corina Machado does not appear in any of the authentic images released by the U.S. Government related to the Epstein case. The circulating image is a purposeful fabrication intended to mislead and damage the reputation of the Venezuelan opposition leader.
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