How the men in the Epstein files defeated #MeToo

The latest release of Jeffrey Epstein's documents exposes a network of powerful figures—including Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Larry Summers, and Steve Bannon—who were actively coordinating to push back against the #MeToo movement. The article argues that this pushback was not an intellectual inquiry about free speech but a defense mechanism by an elite circle threatened by accountability for sexual misconduct. Epstein used his connections, particularly through John Brockman's Edge Foundation, to launder his reputation among scientists and intellectuals, promoting misogynistic views that aligned with the 'anti-woke' sentiment. Key figures like Summers and Steven Pinker echoed the idea that women were inherently less capable in fields like science. The documents show Epstein monitoring #MeToo fallout, offering advice to those accused, and connecting with figures like Charlie Rose and Woody Allen. Furthermore, the article draws parallels between Epstein's eugenicist leanings and the actions of his associates, noting Elon Musk's focus on seeding the earth with high-intelligence offspring and Trump's evasion of accountability for sexual misconduct. Ultimately, the author concludes that these powerful men, through coordinated efforts exemplified by Thiel's funding of anti-accountability movements, have engineered a state of elite impunity where the rule of law no longer applies to the wealthy and powerful, effectively defeating the core aims of #MeToo.

(Source：The Verge)