Epstein’s Academic Trap: How Predator Lured Victims With Elite University Promises

Survivors reveal how Jeffrey Epstein used promises of NYU and Columbia admissions to ensnare victims. Explore how elite education and modeling became tools for abuse.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 22, 2026, 9:18 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ABC News Australia - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-22/how-epstein-lured-girls-using-university-and-modelling/106320804

The False Promise of Academic Advancement

For many of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, the path into his predatory network began not with a direct threat, but with a seemingly life-changing opportunity. Survivors have recently provided detailed information to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee describing how Epstein utilized his perceived influence at New York University (NYU) and Columbia University as a primary grooming tool. He frequently promised young women, some of whom were minors at the time, that he could guarantee their admission to these elite institutions through his high-level connections and financial donations.

This tactic exploited the academic aspirations of vulnerable individuals who saw the financier as a benevolent mentor capable of opening doors that were otherwise closed. By framing himself as a gatekeeper to the Ivy League and other prestigious circles, Epstein established a power dynamic rooted in aspiration and trust. Once these women were brought into his orbit under the guise of academic mentorship, the transition to sexual exploitation began, often occurring simultaneously with his offers to pay for their classes or facilitate their enrollment.

Modeling as a Gateway to Exploitation

Parallel to the academic lure, Epstein and his associates leveraged the high-stakes world of fashion to recruit victims. The financier reportedly promised aspiring models auditions for Victoria's Secret and contracts that included extensive international travel. These offers were particularly effective at luring young women from diverse backgrounds who were eager to break into a competitive industry. By posing as a well-connected figure in the modeling world, Epstein was able to maintain a constant stream of new recruits for his residences in New York, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This modeling pipeline was often facilitated by co-conspirators who groomed the victims by emphasizing Epstein’s wealth and his friendships with the global elite. The promise of a professional career served as the initial "hook," making the subsequent abuse appear as an unfortunate or "required" part of the elite social circle they were trying to enter. This methodical approach ensured that the victims felt they were participating in a professional advancement program rather than being trafficked for sexual purposes.