Releasing Epstein Files Creates Unjust Guilt-by-Association Witch Hunts Against Innocent People
Source: Robby Soave. "Guilt by association? UCLA professor Mark Tramo and the Epstein file backlash." February 12, 2026. reason.com
The Gist
The author argues that releasing Jeffrey Epstein's files is unfairly destroying innocent people's lives. He uses UCLA professor Mark Tramo as an example - Tramo had legitimate academic correspondence with Epstein but is now facing death threats and job loss despite no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. The author believes this represents dangerous guilt-by-association thinking.
Conclusion
The release of Epstein files is causing unjust harm to people who had legitimate, non-criminal associations with Epstein and should not be subjected to public persecution based on guilt by association
Premises
- Mark Tramo, a UCLA neurology professor, is being harassed and threatened despite no criminal allegations against him
- Tramo's communications with Epstein were related to legitimate academic research on music and neurology, not criminal activity
- Public reaction has misinterpreted innocent academic exchanges as evidence of criminal complicity
- The released files reveal names of people who met with or took money from Epstein but are not accused of crimes
- No evidence has emerged from the files substantiating a broader conspiracy of sexual abusers beyond Epstein himself
- Real-world harms are occurring to innocent people based on mere association rather than evidence of wrongdoing
Assumptions
- Guilt by association is an unjust standard for public condemnation
- Academic and professional relationships with controversial figures can be legitimate and innocent
- Public harassment and threats against individuals without criminal evidence is morally wrong
- The burden of proof should be on accusers to demonstrate actual wrongdoing, not mere association