Survivor to Advocate: Lisa Phillips on Escaping Jeffrey Epstein’s Trafficking Network and Finding Her Voice

Lisa Phillips, a former model, has emerged as a powerful voice among survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s global trafficking network.

In a candid interview, she detailed her experiences as a young model drawn into Epstein’s orbit and how the abuse shaped her life, relationships, and eventual path toward advocacy.

Phillips grew up in Europe and pursued modeling after high school, traveling internationally to work in South Africa, Greece, Los Angeles, and eventually New York.

In early 2000, she booked a magazine cover shoot in Tortola, British West Indies.

During her free time, she and another young model were invited by a friend to visit a nearby private island.

There, Phillips first encountered Epstein.

Initially, nothing seemed threatening—Epstein was charming, attentive, and intellectually engaging.

He asked about her family, upbringing, and aspirations in a way that made her feel special and mentored, not endangered.

However, the situation soon shifted.

One evening, a girl told Phillips that Epstein was ready for a massage.

Although hesitant, Phillips agreed and entered a room where Epstein was naked on a massage table.

The session began as a legitimate massage but quickly turned abusive, incorporating s*xual and physical elements.

Phillips describes it as a combination of s*xual and object-based abuse, highlighting that predators often operate in ways beyond traditional s*xual assault, focusing on control and power.

After that night, Phillips returned to New York and continued her modeling career.

Epstein’s team repeatedly contacted her, encouraging her to maintain ties.

At the time, she did not fully understand why he pursued her, later realizing it was because she had witnessed powerful individuals during her encounter on the island.

Using her ambitions as leverage, Epstein orchestrated opportunities that further entangled Phillips in his network.

For instance, he introduced her to Katie Ford of Ford Models, helping her secure representation and advance her career—a gesture she initially interpreted as benevolent despite the abuse.

Phillips emphasizes the insidious nature of Epstein’s trafficking network: it exploited legitimate opportunities—auditions, modeling jobs, introductions to industry figures—as a cover for coercion and abuse.

Victims often did not recognize they were being trafficked because the experiences were framed as career advancement, masking the underlying predatory intent.

Despite surviving Epstein’s abuse, Phillips faced ongoing challenges in her personal life.

Relationships were complicated by trauma, including a recent relationship where a man attempted to replicate the same abusive patterns she experienced on Epstein’s island.

Over time, Phillips realized the importance of therapy and self-reflection.

She engaged in intensive EMDR therapy to process childhood trauma, abusive relationships, and her experiences with Epstein, learning to establish boundaries and reclaim her sense of agency.

Phillips’ journey toward advocacy began in earnest in 2019, after Epstein’s death and following the public testimony of Virginia Giuffre, another survivor.

Witnessing Giuffre speak out inspired Phillips to share her own story and connect with other survivors.

She emphasizes the solidarity and healing found in survivor communities, noting the importance of supporting each other and pushing for accountability from those who enabled Epstein.

Part of Phillips’ advocacy includes public awareness initiatives, such as her podcast From Now On, which provides a platform for survivors to share their stories and discuss the ongoing process of healing.

The podcast encourages guests to conclude each episode with the phrase “From now on,” signifying steps toward empowerment, boundaries, and courage in their recovery.

Phillips also spoke about the systemic failures she has observed.

While Epstein and his associates exploited vulnerable individuals, the justice system often left survivors without closure or accountability.

For example, Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s close associate, received a sentence that many consider lenient, and conversations of potential pardons remain deeply troubling to survivors like Phillips.

She stresses the importance of continuing to advocate for protective measures for young people and holding enablers accountable.

Ultimately, Lisa Phillips’ story illustrates both the enduring impact of trauma and the potential for healing and empowerment.

From her early experiences as a young model drawn into Epstein’s orbit, to her survival, reflection, and advocacy, she has transformed her trauma into a platform for change.

Through her podcast, speaking engagements, and public testimony, Phillips continues to reclaim her voice and support others navigating the complex path from victimhood to leadership.