Former Miami Beach Mayor Faces Sexual Assault Allegations by Epstein's Personal Assistant

In a groundbreaking testimony before the U.S. House Oversight Committee last Thursday, Sarah Kellen, who served as Jeffrey Epstein's personal assistant for nearly 15 years, accused former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine of sexually assaulting her.

As reported by the Miami Herald, this marks the first occasion where a victim has provided testimony about Epstein directly to the U.S. Congress.

Kellen, aged 46, also identified celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai and renowned fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier — who passed away in 2022 — as other individuals who abused her within Epstein's circle, according to four sources present during her testimony.

Levine, now 64, did not respond to the Miami Herald's repeated requests for comment, neither on Thursday night nor on Friday morning.

Although Kellen's testimony was given behind closed doors and she was not under oath, lying to Congress is illegal, and false statements could lead to prosecution.

James Comer, the Republican committee chairman and representative from Kentucky, described Kellen as "very credible, intelligent, and courageous," noting that she had never been interviewed by law enforcement or prosecutors prior to Epstein's arrest in 2019.

"Out of all the individuals we have interviewed thus far, this was by far the most substantial and productive interview we've had," Comer stated. "She was incredibly brave to speak up."

Comer further remarked that this situation underscores how "the government failed the victims."

In her opening statement to the committee, Kellen painted a vivid picture of Epstein's influence: "Jeffrey made sure I understood that defying him would cost me my life. He knew everyone at the highest levels of society, and everyone pandered to him."

Kellen recounted traveling with Epstein to Cuba, where they met Fidel Castro, and accompanying former President Bill Clinton to Asia and Africa. She also attended Princess Beatrice's birthday at Windsor Castle and visited Sheikh Mohammed's residence in Dubai.

"Jeffrey was able to deceive and manipulate the brightest minds in the world. We, the victims, stood no chance," she declared.

Levine was the mayor of Miami Beach from 2013 to 2017 and ran as a Democrat for Florida governor in 2018, investing $29 million of his own money, ultimately finishing third with 20% of the vote.

The former mayor had consistently denied any significant relationship with Epstein. In 2019, he told the Herald that they had met "a couple of times" at a social event in New York and had "never had a friendship or business relationship" with him.

However, documents released by the Department of Justice earlier this year reveal emails that contradict Levine's statements, as documented by the Miami Herald.

In July 2010, Levine wrote to Epstein, calling him "a great guy" and signing off as "Your friend, Philip," just as Epstein's probation period was concluding.

The files also unveiled sexually suggestive exchanges between Levine and Ghislaine Maxwell dating back to 2001. Last year, Maxwell stated to the Department of Justice that Levine was her "very good friend" and that she had met Clinton "through Philip Levine."

Earlier this year, Levine told the Herald, "My only relationship with Jeffrey Epstein arose solely through my former friendship with Ghislaine Maxwell. I met Epstein only on a few occasions. I never conducted business with him, never visited his island, nor flew on his plane. I regret having ever met him."

The complete transcript of Kellen's testimony is anticipated to be released this week, potentially by Tuesday.