Carole Radziwill is addressing her name's appearance in the unsealed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein as she prepares for her return to 'The Real Housewives of New York City.' Radziwill stated that being named in the files is an opportunity to discuss the matter openly and emphasize transparency.
"Me and many, many, many more people found our names in these files, and it’s not something I shy away from because I think really it’s important to talk about it," Radziwill said during a Q&A session with her castmates, hosted by Andy Cohen. "It’s important to be transparent."
Radziwill first addressed her connection to Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, in March, stating she had known Maxwell socially but denied knowing Epstein. She reiterated this stance, admitting she last saw Maxwell at an event in 2009. Radziwill also expressed shock at Maxwell's crimes, to which she was convicted of child sex trafficking in 2021.
"It’s hard to think that someone you knew that long ago — and even called a friend at some point — was a horrible, horrible person doing horrible things," Radziwill commented. "That had all aired, at first I was really nervous. But I just think it's an opportunity to talk about it."
She added, "There’s real victims and survivors that were brave enough to really stand up to these very, very powerful people."
Radziwill acknowledged that during the time she was friendly with Maxwell, she was unaware of Epstein's sex trafficking activities or his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. She stated that Maxwell never mentioned Epstein or spoke of him when they interacted. Radziwill's name appeared on lists of contacts and social engagements released by the federal government. Inclusion on these lists does not imply wrongdoing.
Radziwill, a former cast member from seasons five through 10, is returning to 'RHONY' for its 16th season. Her storyline this season will address the emergence of her name in the Epstein files, with Bravo teasing that she "is forced to confront something she thought she had left behind."
The upcoming season of 'The Real Housewives of New York City' is set to premiere on Tuesday, September 8, on Bravo. Radziwill will be joined by castmates Sai De Silva, Erin Lichy, Jessel Taank, Hailey Glassman, Erika Hammond, and Daisy Toye.