Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith sparked a firestorm on social media and beyond this week after publicly questioning why President Joe Biden had not released the Jeffrey Epstein files, leading to widespread correction and criticism.
Smith, known for his outspoken commentary on ESPN‘s “First Take,” made the remarks during a recent segment, implying a lack of action from the current administration regarding the prominent sex offender’s case.
“Why hasn’t Joe Biden released the Epstein files?” Smith asked, a query that quickly circulated across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
The immediate response was a barrage of explanations highlighting that the unsealing of the files is a judicial process, not an executive one. Legal experts, journalists, and concerned citizens swiftly pointed out that a federal judge, not the president, ordered the release of the documents. The process of review and redaction for privacy and legal reasons is ongoing and being handled by the courts.
One prominent legal analyst, Sarah Jenkins, stated, “The president does not have the authority to unilaterally ‘release’ court-sealed documents. This is a common misconception, but it’s crucial to understand the separation of powers.”
Stephen A. Smith: "The Epstein Files were in existence and free to have been open during the Biden Administration! You were there for 4 years! How come you didn't open it as a Democratic party then!? What am I missing!?"pic.twitter.com/JyXKlL7Rne
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) November 13, 2025
Social media users were quick to fact-check Smith, with many expressing disappointment that a figure with his platform would spread what they perceived as misinformation. Hashtags like #EpsteinFiles and #FactCheckStephenA trended as the conversation unfolded.
“It’s important for public figures to be accurate, especially when discussing sensitive legal matters,” commented one user on X. Another added, “This isn’t a political football; it’s a judicial procedure.”
Smith has yet to directly address the widespread corrections to his initial statement. The incident underscores the rapid spread of information and misinformation in the digital age and the immediate scrutiny public figures face.
The Epstein files, which contain names of individuals associated with the late financier, are being unsealed as part of a defamation lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate. The process is expected to continue revealing more documents in the coming weeks.
