Jeffrey Epstein's Estate Sued by Woman Alleging He Kept Her Dependent on Him and Repeatedly Raped Her
Teala Davies joined the growing group of women who have filed suit against Jeffrey Epstein's estate on Thursday, accusing him of repeatedly sexually abusing her when she was 17.
The suit accuses Epstein of having "raped and sexually assaulted her frequently and in a variety of places and settings, including by trafficking Teala to his homes in New York, New Mexico, Florida, the Virgin Islands and France" at various times in the early 2000s, with the alleged abuse spanning two years.
"Teala felt extremely vulnerable. Epstein had arranged the circumstances to ensure that Teala was completely at his mercy," the suit says. "If Epstein decided to rethink his generosity at any point, Teala would have had nothing, and would have been left homeless and jobless once again, after being brought so close to her dream. Even though Epstein had preyed upon her and sexually assaulted her, Teala understood she had no choice but to submit to him. His power over her was all-encompassing."
She says she was introduced to Epstein in 2002 by her sister, who was also allegedly being abused by Epstein at the time. At first, Epstein asked Davies to rub his feet while both were fully clothed. Then, under the promise that he would fund her studying abroad in Spain so she could gain experience as a translator, he began to fly her around the world, paying for shopping trips and funding her education.
Davies said that in the summer of 2002, Epstein fondled her genitals without her consent. She also claims he raped her in her sleep around December 2002. He would go on, according to Davies, to rape her several more times while she was unconscious. By then, she alleges, she was fully dependent on Epstein financially, having no home to return to and her education being paid for by him.
Davies alleges that she developed an eating disorder from the stress. When she confided the existence of the disorder to Epstein, she says he "cast her out within hours of her admission." Returning to her Arizona hometown, she began to self-harm and abuse alcohol.
"Ms. Davies is still in the nascent stages of understanding the deep and lasting injuries that Epstein's pattern of abuse has caused her, but she feels the effects every day. She feels dysfunctional, on-edge, and constantly overwhelmed. She has difficulty sleeping. She often has flashbacks to Epstein's sexual assaults. She feels like she is on the verge of a psychological breakdown," the suit said.
Represented by attorney Gloria Allred, she's seeking unspecified damages.
The suit also mentioned an anonymous Hollywood producer who "demanded and attempted to engage in abusive sexual behavior" with Davies.
Davies first came forward with her allegations against Epstein in August, when she testified at the August 27 hearing that resulted in all rape and sex trafficking charges being dismissed against Epstein in light of his suicide. Epstein had been awaiting trial on the charges when he killed himself.
"He knew I was vulnerable, and he took advantage of that poor girl, who will never be the same," she said at the hearing.
It was a sentiment she echoed at a press conference on November 21.
"I am here and I am ready to be heard. I am here to set an example and inspire all victims of sexual abuse to conquer their fear and tell someone. It's not only cleansing, but you will be heard, and people will listen. I am here for them."
