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“They were laughing. I was really petrified.” Those are the words of Juliette Bryant, a South African woman who says she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein in 2002, as recounted to Sky News. Bryant’s account details a harrowing journey from Cape Town to Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean, and reveals the extent to which Epstein’s trafficking network reached across continents.

Bryant, then a 20-year-aged university student and aspiring model, was recruited by Epstein while he was in Cape Town accompanying Bill Clinton on an AIDS awareness trip, alongside actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker. She was initially lured by the promise of financial stability for her struggling family. Three weeks after meeting Epstein, she found herself on a flight to New York, her first trip outside of South Africa.

The journey quickly turned sinister. Shortly after arriving in New York, Bryant was directed to a private jet bound for Epstein’s Caribbean island. Onboard, she alleges, were Epstein and the women who had initially recruited her in Cape Town. “He patted the chair next to him… and then I went and sat there. It was such a confusing situation for a young person to be in,” Bryant told Sky News. She described being sexually assaulted during the flight, while the women who had brought her there laughed.

Bryant’s experience highlights the psychological manipulation employed by Epstein and his associates. She described feeling “handcuffed invisibly,” trapped by a sense of obligation and fear. She stated she did not disclose the abuse to her family until after Epstein’s death in 2019.

Flight details contained within the Epstein files, as reported by Sky News, corroborate the pattern of young women being transported from Cape Town to locations including London, Atlanta, and New York up until late 2018. While Bryant states she was not trafficked to other men, she alleges repeated sexual abuse by Epstein himself during stays at his properties in New York, Palm Beach, Paris, and New Mexico. She also encountered women and underage girls from Brazil, Romania, France, and Spain at these locations.

Bryant documented her time with Epstein by taking photographs with disposable cameras she found on his island, capturing a stark contrast between posed smiles and moments of profound loneliness. She described feeling utterly trapped, stating, “There was no way of getting away… They had my passport and by then we had landed on one of the Caribbean islands and then were taken on a helicopter to his island. There was just no way of getting away.”

The recent release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, despite redaction failures, has forced Bryant to confront her trauma repeatedly as her emails to Epstein were published unredacted. These emails, sent between 2008 and 2017, were often written when she was “drinking or having a bit of a breakdown,” according to Bryant, who believes Epstein fostered a sense of surveillance that compelled her to contact him. “I have nothing to hide,” she said, adding that the publicity surrounding Epstein “confuses people because obviously the man had a terrible grip on my mind.”

Bryant continues to grapple with the psychological aftermath of her abuse, and the constant re-emergence of Epstein’s name in the news. She is currently piecing together the full scope of Epstein’s network, while navigating her recovery.

Indian musician Udit Saxena is contributing to a significant cultural exchange with Russia, participating in both celebratory performances and a forthcoming epic musical project. Saxena’s involvement highlights a growing artistic collaboration between India and Russia, underscored by recent performances honoring historical ties and a new musical endeavor poised for release in 2026.

Saxena’s recent work includes performing at Russia’s 80th Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in 2025, representing India among 18 nations. He sang wartime songs in Russian, translated into his native language, an experience he described as “surreal” and “soul-stirring.” This participation builds on a broader trend of cultural diplomacy between the two countries, marked by artistic exchanges and shared commemorations. Saxena is also lending his musical talents to “Королёк моей любви” (Korolyok moyey lyubvi), a Russian epic set to be released in 2026, where he will feature on five songs.

The Victory Day performance, held in Moscow, involved rehearsals and immersion in Russian culture, fostering connections with artists from around the globe. Saxena shared his experience on LinkedIn, noting the warmth of the Russian people and the opportunity to connect with fellow musicians. His LinkedIn post details the profound impact of the experience, emphasizing the power of music to transcend borders.

Musical Collaboration: “Королёк моей любви”

Saxena’s contribution to “Королёк моей любви” involves singing compositions by Nick Saveliev, Oddy Newmel, and Zurab Matua, alongside fellow Indian musicians Aseem Sharma and Hargun Kaur. The project, written by Vanit Bakshi and directed by Weisbergfilms, represents a significant undertaking in Russian epic storytelling. A Facebook post from Saxena reveals the teaser for the project is now available, with a full release planned for 2026.

Bakshi, also credited as the lyricist for the epic, has a separate musical project, “Daddy Ji,” featuring music by Saxena. The song is available on YouTube, showcasing the collaborative relationship between the two artists.

Victory Day Performance and Indo-Russian Relations

Saxena’s performance at the 80th Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, as reported on his Facebook page and Instagram, took place in May 2025. The event commemorated the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, a pivotal moment in Russian history. India’s participation, with Saxena representing the nation, underscores the continued strategic partnership between India and Russia, which has seen increased cooperation in various sectors, including defense, energy, and cultural exchange. The celebrations included artists from 18 nations, highlighting Russia’s efforts to foster international goodwill.

The Victory Day celebrations are particularly significant given the ongoing geopolitical context. Russia’s relationship with the West remains strained due to the conflict in Ukraine, making partnerships with countries like India increasingly important for Russia. India has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, continuing trade and diplomatic ties with both Russia and Western nations. Saxena’s participation in the event can be viewed as a symbol of this continued engagement.

Saxena’s journey, from performing at a major international event to contributing to a large-scale musical production, demonstrates the growing role of Indian artists on the global stage. His work highlights the power of music to bridge cultural divides and foster international understanding.

Looking ahead, the release of “Королёк моей любви” in 2026 will be a key moment for Saxena and a further demonstration of Indo-Russian artistic collaboration. The project’s success could pave the way for more joint ventures and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Further details regarding the epic’s storyline and musical style are anticipated as the release date approaches.

What are your thoughts on this growing cultural exchange? Share your comments below and let us know what you think!

Tehran is signaling a potential willingness to consider compromises in ongoing negotiations regarding its nuclear program, even as concerns mount over escalating regional tensions and conflicting messages from Washington. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Ali Bagheri Kani, conveyed this openness during an interview with the BBC from Tehran, acknowledging the demand for a diplomatic resolution but also reiterating Iran’s defensive requirements.

The potential for a renewed nuclear accord remains uncertain, complicated by a recent history of stalled talks and a volatile security landscape. The United States has emphasized that any deal must address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for armed groups across the Middle East, a point underscored by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Negotiations are currently slated to resume in Geneva, with Iran expressing a desire for a sincere commitment to a lasting agreement.

Bagheri Kani stressed that Iran’s missile capabilities are non-negotiable, stating, “When we were attacked by Israelis and Americans, our missiles came to our rescue so how can we accept depriving ourselves of our defensive capabilities?” This stance reflects a deep-seated distrust stemming from past actions, including an unexpected Israeli attack last June that triggered a 12-day conflict and disrupted previous rounds of talks in Oman.

Conflicting Signals from Washington

A key obstacle to progress, according to the Iranian diplomat, is the perceived inconsistency in messaging from the U.S. Administration. Whereas officials have publicly and privately expressed interest in resolving the matter peacefully, President Donald Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of regime change in Iran, stating, “would be the best thing that would happen.” Bagheri Kani noted this rhetoric clashes with assurances conveyed through Omani intermediaries, who are playing a central role in facilitating communication between Tehran, and Washington.

The U.S. Military buildup in the region is also raising concerns in Tehran. Bagheri Kani warned that another war would be “traumatic, bad for everybody… everybody will suffer, particularly those who have initiated this aggression.” He cautioned that Iran would respond if it perceived an existential threat, adding that a conflict could quickly escalate into a wider regional crisis. Iran has consistently maintained that U.S. Military bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets in the event of an attack, although past actions, such as an attack on the Al-Udeid military base in Qatar, have avoided causing American casualties.

Reports indicate that over 40,000 U.S. Soldiers are now stationed in the region, a move Bagheri Kani suggested would dramatically alter the dynamics of any potential conflict. Senior Iranian officials are actively engaging in discussions with regional counterparts, who are urging President Trump to prioritize de-escalation and avoid a war with far-reaching repercussions.

Regional Concerns and Israeli Actions

There appears to be a broad consensus across the region against military intervention, with most nations recognizing the devastating consequences of a wider conflict. Although, Iran has repeatedly accused Israel of attempting to sabotage the negotiating process. Despite these challenges, Bagheri Kani expressed cautious optimism that a diplomatic solution can be reached, stating, “We are hopeful we can do this through diplomacy, although we can’t be 100% sure.”

The BBC’s chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, is reporting from Tehran under restrictions that prevent her material from being used on the BBC’s Persian Service, a common constraint for international media operating within Iran.

Past negotiations have been hampered by a lack of progress and shifting understandings, with Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, criticizing the frequent changes in agreements reached from one round of talks to the next. The involvement of Jared Kushner, the U.S. President’s son-in-law, in earlier discussions was viewed positively by Iran as a sign of increased U.S. Engagement.

What’s Next?

While skepticism remains about the prospects for a new accord, Iran has indicated it will approach the next round of talks in Geneva with a genuine desire to reach a deal, but insists the other side must demonstrate sincerity. The path forward remains fraught with challenges, requiring a delicate balance of diplomacy, compromise, and a commitment to de-escalation from all parties involved. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether a diplomatic solution can be found or if the region is headed towards a dangerous escalation.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a renewed nuclear deal with Iran? Share your comments below and join the conversation.