Wikipedia:Don't cite the Epstein files
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The Epstein files contain over 6 million pages of material, a vast trove of documents, It is nearly the same size as all of English Wikipedia itself, perhaps larger in byte count. The chances of someone who is notable ending up there are quite high. Jeffrey Epstein was a networking central node. As a result, many BLPs have been "Epstein-tagged". Epstein tagging might include sections such as "Epstein association" or "Found in the Epstein files 28 times", etc..
Because Epstein is associated with many negative crimes, such associations can automatically plant a negative picture in the reader's mind. Therefore we need to be very cautious not to make innuendo and suggestions, stick to facts of substance. For example, stating they were in the file 28 times is not a fact of substance, it is titillating and suggestive. Rather, state the actual specific episodes and what occurred.
BLP concerns
[edit]WP:BLP states:
- Articles about living people must be written conservatively and with regard for the subject's privacy. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, not a tabloid: it is not Wikipedia's job to be sensationalist, or to be the primary vehicle for the spread of titillating claims about people's lives; the possibility of harm to living subjects must always be considered when exercising editorial judgment.
"Editorial judgement" means the decision to include or exclude information, and how information is framed and worded. Just because a name is in the Epstein files it not an automatic reason to Epstein-tag the person.
Primary sourcing concerns
[edit]The Epstein files are a WP:PRIMARY source. WP:BLPPRIMARY is very clear to avoid using the Epstein Files as a source.
Secondary sourcing concerns
[edit]Even if secondary sources discuss it, there other regulations to consider. WP:BLPSPS concerns self-published sources such as a blog or other non-news website
Weight concerns
[edit]Per WP:WEIGHT, WP:BLPBALANCE .. the amount of coverage should be proportionate to the notability of the event. Do not try to add too much information, focus on the most important aspects that carry the most weight.
When to include
[edit]It is may be safe to include Epstein material when there is significant coverage in multiple reliable secondary sources, so long as it conforms to the conservative values expressed in WP:BLP.