Little St. James: the island

The U.S. Virgin Islands alleged that Epstein used the island for years to traffic and abuse girls and young women, with staff, boats and aircraft to bring them in and keep them from leaving. Survivors have described abuse there in court. In November 2022 the estate settled, paying more than $105 million plus half the proceeds of the island sale, without admitting the allegations. [1][2][3]

The blue-and-white striped building with a gold dome is real and the most photographed structure on the island. Records show it was permitted as a music pavilion. Photos from 2019 show a mostly bare interior, and a painted fake door; images released in 2025 showed other rooms including a dental-style chair, wall masks and a chalkboard with obscured words, which prompted wide speculation. [1][2][3]

Claims of underground tunnels, ritual rooms and sacrifices spread widely online. No inspection, court record or released photograph has verified tunnels, and the territory’s detailed complaint does not allege them. Since the sale, trespassers and influencers have filmed the grounds; they show buildings, not secret chambers. [3][4]