After the Department of Justice released a fresh batch of more than three million Epstein-related documents on January 31, along with approximately 180,000 images and over 2,000 videos, several high-profile names have been uncovered, which have quickly become major talking points.
Among those mentioned was Jon Stewart. On the night of February 2, Stewart reacted to being name-dropped in the files during his monologue on The Daily Show.
Highlights
- Jon Stewart confirmed his name appeared in a 2015 email as a professional reference with no tie to Epstein's crimes.
- Stewart mocked the repetitive nature of document dumps, arguing they provide a distraction that shields major co-conspirators.
- The host argued that the justice system creates a "sanctuary" for the elite.
- Stewart noted that while names like Bill Gates and Michael Jackson have resurfaced in the DOJ release, the documents often consist of third-party drafts and uncorroborated allegations.
He also used the moment to criticize what he described as a recurring lack of accountability surrounding the Epstein case.
Jon Stewart admitted to his name's appearance in the Epstein files and explained the inclusion
Image credits: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Stewart admitted and confirmed that his name appeared in a 2015 email exchange between Epstein and film producer Barry Josephson.
“Of course, to get ahead of the story, I am also in the files,” he began with a laugh.
According to the host, the email involved a discussion about creating a biographical stand-up special for a comedian identified only as “Woody,” widely believed to be director Woody Allen.
Image credits: The Daily Show
In the email, Josephson suggested that “somebody like Jon Stewart” could host or narrate the biographical portion of the project.
Stewart read the message aloud on the talk show and reacted with mock indignation.
“Excuse me? I am offended. Somebody like Jon Stewart, or Jon Stewart?” he said, adding, “Do I have the offer, or is this an audition?”
Image credits: Florida Department of Law Enforcement/Getty Images
Stewart clarified that the reference had no connection to Epstein’s crimes and that he was never involved in any such project.
Later in the monologue, the 63-year-old argued that the DOJ release is actually protecting Donald Trump from any accountability.
The 63-year-old further criticized how Epstein disclosures continue without clear accountability
Image credits: The Daily Show
After addressing his name appearing in the files, Stewart broadened the discussion to the larger pattern surrounding Epstein document releases.
“Yup, it’s Groundhog Day,” he began.
“We call it Groundhog Day because this is the day when Donald Trump sees Epstein’s shadow, and we get six more weeks of not knowing who any of the co-conspirators are in this multinational s*x trafficking case and, also, because Punxsutawney Phil is all over the files.”
He noted that each disclosure continues to spark outrage but fails to deliver clarity about accountability, especially concerning powerful individuals named in the files.
“The people who are politically well-connected keep skirting any form of legal accountability,” Stewart said, adding that wealth and influence appear to provide insulation from scrutiny.
Image credits: Davidoff Studios/Getty Images
While Stewart stressed that mentions are not proof of guilt, he questioned why full transparency had not occurred sooner, noting Trump’s past statements about having the authority to declassify materials.
“Look, man, we always knew that the people at DOJ releasing these documents weren’t on a fact-finding mission; they were running interference,” he said.
“And the guy they’re running interference for seems very satisfied with these results.”
Stewart’s mention came amid focus on other high-profile names in the Epstein files, including Michael Jackson
The host’s appearance in the files occurred alongside the revelation of other well-known figures, including Trump, Bill Gates, and Michael Jackson.
As reported by Bored Panda, draft emails allegedly written by Epstein in 2013 accused Gates of hiding an STD he had acquired from Russian girls and requesting antibiotics for his then-wife.
While a Gates spokesperson denied the claims, calling them “absolutely absurd and completely false,” the documents contained no evidence of wrongdoing.
Image credits: The Daily Show
The DOJ release also included photographs linking Epstein and Michael Jackson. Though the pop star was never charged in connection with the predator, the images confirmed contact between the two.
Furthermore, the files revealed a “Complaint Summary” describing an allegation that an unidentified girl was forced into an intimate act with Trump when she was around middle-school age.
As the names continue to drop, the DOJ reiterated that the documents include unverified claims, drafts, and third-party references, many of which lack corroboration.
During his closing remarks, Stewart argued that the Epstein files highlight a deeper issue in the justice system
Image credits: The Daily Show
Image credits: Comedy Central/Getty Images
In the monologue, Stewart also noted that the Epstein disclosures expose a broader issue beyond individual names.
He said the real takeaway is how power and money appear to shield certain figures from consequences, while ordinary people face harsh enforcement.
“The real sanctuary city is where money and power protect you from the consequences of s*x trafficking, or influence peddling.”
He continued, “…or taking half a billion dollars and giving away America’s AI infrastructure — not the small Midwestern city where trying to help a lady get up after she gets maced gets you shot in the back of the fucking head,” referencing Alex Pretti's fatal encounter with an ICE agent.
As more Epstein-related records remain under review, Stewart warned that future releases without accountability risk becoming another cycle of headlines without resolution.
"Every single one of them needs to be held accountable," wrote one netizen
