King Charles’s Speech to Congress Draws Criticism for Omitting Epstein Survivors
King Charles III’s address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday sparked controversy after Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) publicly criticized the monarch for failing to directly acknowledge the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. The criticism came during a roundtable discussion hosted by Khanna with Epstein survivors and advocates, held ahead of the King’s speech.
Khanna’s Criticism and Roundtable
Rep. Khanna voiced his disappointment that King Charles did not mention the survivors in his speech, despite the opportunity to do so. “I think it was a missed opportunity,” Khanna stated in a CNN interview. CNN reported on the criticism shortly after the speech concluded.
Prior to the speech, Khanna convened a roundtable with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and representatives from anti-trafficking organizations. C-SPAN broadcasted the event, which aimed to amplify the voices of those impacted by Epstein’s crimes. PBS NewsHour also covered the roundtable, noting it occurred ahead of King Charles’s visit.
The roundtable served as a platform for survivors to share their experiences and call for greater accountability. The event underscored the ongoing efforts to seek justice for those harmed by Epstein’s abuse.
King Charles’s Address and Context
King Charles addressed Congress on Wednesday, focusing on themes of global cooperation, climate change and democratic values. While the speech included moments of humor, including a joke about former President Trump’s ballroom project, it did not directly address the issue of Jeffrey Epstein or his victims. CNN highlighted these moments of levity in its coverage.
Ongoing Calls for Accountability
The omission of Epstein survivors from King Charles’s speech has reignited calls for greater attention to the issue of sexual abuse and trafficking. Advocates continue to push for increased accountability for those involved in Epstein’s crimes and for support for survivors. The roundtable hosted by Rep. Khanna is part of a broader movement to ensure that the voices of survivors are heard and that justice is served.