Modeling Dreams Have Turned Out to Be Risky
Glaucia Fékete, a 16-year old girl from rural Brazil at the time was starting out her modeling career. Jean-Luc Brunel convinced her mom to allow her daughter to attend a modeling contest in Ecuador.
Brunel charmed Glaucia, who was initially cautious. Glaucia travelled to Guayaquil, Ecuador for the Models New Generation Competition. Glaucia was unable to contact her family, even though the event seemed legitimate. Glaucia soon realized that something wasn’t right.
A narrow escape and suspicious behavior
Laura, a contestant from Western Europe noticed Brunel’s strange behavior. He seemed to spend a lot of time with the younger girls, and he also controlled their finances. She recalls that “he knew which girls were most vulnerable”.
Brunel invited Glaucia to New York, where she would be a model for a show. Her mother declined. She says, “They were looking for minors.” Glaucia avoided involvement in the situation and was able to escape.
Ana’s Story – From Modeling to Epstein
Ana is another Brazilian woman who shares her experience of how Brunel’s agency helped to facilitate Epstein’s relationship with Ana. Epstein was one of her clients.
Ana’s US visa showed that Brunel’s Karin Models of America was her sponsor even though she had never worked there.Epstein paid for the visas and Ana traveled to France and US to meet with him.
Manipulation & Control
Ana explains how Epstein managed her money and her travels. His preference was for girls younger than him. He gave them gifts and English lessons. She felt constantly targeted and watched.
Ana was a victim of Epstein’s abuse, even though she had moments with him. Instead, Ana returned to Brazil and stayed close to family.
Investigating and legal implications
The authorities are talking to women that had a relationship with Epstein to better understand how the system works. The authorities are looking into human trafficking and other forms of sexual exploitation. Those involved could still be facing legal penalties.
Both Glaucia, and Ana are feeling fortunate. Glaucia says her mother saved her while Ana was able to escape Epstein’s group and rebuild her own life. Both women warn of the dangers young girls face in the modeling world.
