Apr 24, 2026

Survivor Advocates Lauren Hersh and Rachel Foster on Hope After the Epstein Files

Chantelle Lee

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In the wake of new details coming to light about the crimes committed by the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, advocates Lauren Hersh and Rachel Foster said that one thing giving them hope is the survivors.

Hersh and Foster are the co-founders of World Without Exploitation, an organization that works to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The two were recognized as honorees at the TIME100 Gala in New York City on April 23 for their advocacy, including working with the survivors of Epstein’s abuse to push for the so-called “Epstein files” to be made public.

On the red carpet at the gala, Hersh and Foster spoke about how inspiring it has been to see survivors using their voices.

“What’s given us hope is seeing the survivors go from being silenced and sidelined to being these fierce advocates and finding and really using their voices,” Foster said.

“We’ve been really inspired to watch the survivors get to a place of truth and they are going to make sure that they get to transparency and justice, so we’re really excited about that,” Hersh said.

In November, the Epstein Files Transparency Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump. The law required the Justice Department to release all the records related to Epstein by Dec. 19. But the agency failed to release all the documents by that deadline, generating outcry from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, in addition to survivors of Epstein’s abuse and voters.

On the red carpet on April 23, Hersh and Foster said that, when the work they do feels heavy, the relationships they’ve built keep them going.

“The collective sisterhood is so amazing,” Foster said. “We find so much hope in our relationships and our connections and seeing the way that the needle has moved.”

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The TIME100 Gala is an annual celebration of the TIME100 list, which highlights the world’s most influential people. The Gala brings together icons, leaders, change-makers, and celebrities from across industries and nations for one lively evening of meaningful dialogue and celebration.

The 2026 TIME100 Gala is hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser and features remarks from advocate Dolores Huerta; actor Alan Cumming; Olympian Chloe Kim, and many more, plus performances by Coco Jones and Luke Combs.

For the first time ever, viewers can watch exclusive Gala red carpet coverage—hosted by Terrence J and Maura Higgins—on TIME’s YouTube.

The 2026 TIME100 Gala was presented by Booking.com, Rolex, JPMorganChase, Toyota, Reliance, PepsiCo, and The Macallan.