If the rise of the #MeToo movement over the past few years has shown us anything, it’s that abusers and sexual predators come from all walks of life.
The stereotypical image we tend to have of these people might involve some vaguely unkempt loner in a white van, but we’ve seen example after example of prominent figures hiding their worst behaviors in plain sight.
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The latest of which was once a man of great influence and his long-time actions have people asking some uncomfortable questions about his former associates, which include two U.S. presidents.
Reclusive billionaire Jeffrey Epstein was recently indicted for sex trafficking and conspiracy involving underage girls.
As ABC News reported , New York prosecutors alleged that between 2002 and 2005, Epstein sexually abused and exploited dozens of girls at various locations and recruited a “vast network” of girls as young as 14.
These charges have led some to come forward with tales of past events that seem suspicious in light of what we now know.
One such account comes from George Houraney, who ran a business called American Dream Enterprise in Florida. Back in 1992, he had started collaborating with now-President Donald Trump to host events at his casinos.
This time, however, Trump asked him to assist with an exclusive party at his Mar-A-Lago club.
In particular, it seemed that Houraney was supposed to arrange a “calendar girl” competition for this event.
As he told The New York Times , this involved flying in “28 girls” for a guest list that he would soon discover only included Trump and Epstein.
To this, he replied, “Donald, this is supposed to be a party with V.I.P.s. You’re telling me it’s you and Epstein?”
Even at the time, Epstein had built enough of a reputation for his sexual proclivities that Houraney had to ban him from his events.
With this in mind, Houraney had some misgivings about setting this private party up.
As he recounted, “I said, ‘Look, Donald, I know Jeff really well, I can’t have him going after younger girls.’ He said, ‘Look I’m putting my name on this. I wouldn’t put my name on it and have a scandal.'”
At the time, Trump and Epstein seemed to share a close friendship that would continue until, by Trump’s estimation, 2004.
Back in 2002, Trump made the following statement to New York Magazine, “I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it – Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”
Before the decade was over, however, the two would have a falling out.
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The New York Times reported that Trump made a statement on Tuesday where he said he was no fan of Epstein’s and hadn’t spoken to him for 15 years.
Epstein was also reportedly never a paying member of Mar-A-Lago and Trump said he banned Epstein from his clubs after he tried to recruit a woman who worked there.
The feeling appeared to be mutual, as Epstein apparently blamed Trump for issues he had with the Palm Beach police. He also claimed to have introduced Melania Trump to the president, which the two deny.
Epstein was also reported to be a close friend of former president Bill Clinton.
In the estimation of Sam Nunberg, a former aid to Trump’s presidential campaign, Trump began minimizing his own past relationship with Epstein while “gleefully” showing his team an advance National Enquirer issue provided by to him by its former publisher, David J. Pecker.
This issue featured photos of Epstein’s private island and discussed details of his connection to the Clintons, which Trump hinted would be followed by more in the future.
As for Houraney, he would also eventually see his business relationship with Trump dissolve.
He also accused Trump of sexual misconduct towards his partner in business and in life, Jill Harth.
h/t: The New York Times
