Looking for Epstein files? GOP rickrolls instead – Outrage ensues
Amid controversy for its release, the official social media account for the House Judiciary GOP rickrolled the Epstein files.
On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee's GOP-controlled X (formerly Twitter) account posted a misleading link claiming to release the Epstein Files. Instead, the link directed users to Rick Astley's 1987 music video “Never Gonna Give You Up,” a prank known as “Rickrolling.” This stunt occurred shortly after Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender.
The prank drew immediate backlash from social media users and public figures, who criticized the committee for making light of a serious issue involving numerous victims of sex trafficking. Many found the joke distasteful and unprofessional, especially given the sensitive nature of the Epstein case. GOP has not commented on the issue and the tweet is still active, with over 8 million views.
ALSO SEE: Attorney General Pam Bondi set to release Jeffrey Epstein's client list amidst lawmaker pressure
Why did GOP rickrolled the Epstein files?
Many saw this trick as a direct way of distracting people from the content of the documents. On the same day, a cadre of MAGA influencers marched out of the White House smiling and waving white binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1.” The prank could have been an intentional distraction to downplay expectations or shift attention away from key names or lack of major revelations in the documents.
Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats' Account X wrote: “Pam Bondi is sitting on the Epstein files right now. What are you waiting for?”, and also shared photos of Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell with President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk (neither have been accused of any wrongdoing). As of date, nothing has yet been released directly from the Justice Department to the public, and it is unclear what documents the folder contains.
Outrage and backlash from social media users
The outrage was almost immediate, as people subtweeted with expressions of disgust and rejected the GOP's take on such a serious matter. This poorly executed joke draw backlash even from Republicans who were expecting real information. Many conservative influencers and commentators have accused the media of selectively covering the Epstein case based on political affiliations.
While some saw it as a harmless joke, many found it highly inappropriate given the serious nature of Epstein’s crimes and the public demand for transparency. Some even took the opportunity to criticize the Republican Party altogether. The backlash might force the GOP to reassess its messaging on the issue.
