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Photo Of Epstein Victims Standing Behind Pam Bondi As She Ignores Them Goes Viral—And It's One For The History Books
Several victims of Jeffrey Epstein raised their hands to signal that they were ignored by Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice on Wednesday as Bondi testified before the House Judiciary Committee in a photo that has since gone viral.
Alan is a writer and editor who lives in New York City. His work has been featured in such publications as Salon, The Advocate, Plus Magazine, George Takei Presents, The Huffington Post, Spoiled NYC, Towleroad, Distractify, Elite Daily, and 2 or 3 Things I Know About Film.
Attorney General Pam Bondi's appearance before the House Judiciary Committee will now forever be associated with a viral photo captured by Getty Images photographer Roberto Schmidt showing several victims of the late financier, sex trafficker, and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein raising their hands to signal that Bondi and the Justice Department had ignored their accounts.
Democrats repeatedly pressed Bondi over what they described as her dismissive posture toward the crimes of Epstein and the influential figures named in recently released files.
Although the session was formally intended as routine congressional oversight of the Justice Department, much of the questioning centered on Epstein and individuals now serving in the administration who appear in the documents—including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who, records show, visited Little Saint James, Epstein’s private Caribbean island.
But perhaps the hearing's most striking moment came when Bondi kept her head down and her back turned to the victims, refusing to look at them as they raised their hands—actions that feel representative of the Trump administration's overall attitude toward the Epstein scandal.
You can see the photo below.
The photo sparked renewed criticism of Bondi's actions and the Trump administration's larger cover-up.
Following her contentious testimony, Bondi saw a sharp shift in betting markets over her political future.
On Polymarket, herchances of becoming the first member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet to be dismissed climbed significantly after the hearing. Her odds, which had been below 45 percent on Tuesday, surged to nearly 65 percent by Wednesday as she sparred with lawmakers.
Notably, members of Congresscriticized Bondi over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files disclosures. Several accused the department of failing to properly shield victims’ identities, as required by law.
At one point, Washington Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal said that in some instances “nude images” of survivors had been made public, including individuals whose identities had remained protected for decades. She called on Bondi to issue an apology to the victims for what she described as serious failures in the redaction process.
Bondi dismissed the line of questioning as “theatrics,” at one point saying she would not “get in the gutter with this woman.”
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Attorney General Pam Bondi's appearance before the House Judiciary Committee will now forever be associated with a viral photo captured by Getty Images photographer Roberto Schmidt showing several victims of the late financier, sex trafficker, and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein raising their hands to signal that Bondi and the Justice Department had ignored their accounts.
Democrats repeatedly pressed Bondi over what they described as her dismissive posture toward the crimes of Epstein and the influential figures named in recently released files.
Although the session was formally intended as routine congressional oversight of the Justice Department, much of the questioning centered on Epstein and individuals now serving in the administration who appear in the documents—including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who, records show, visited Little Saint James, Epstein’s private Caribbean island.
But perhaps the hearing's most striking moment came when Bondi kept her head down and her back turned to the victims, refusing to look at them as they raised their hands—actions that feel representative of the Trump administration's overall attitude toward the Epstein scandal.
You can see the photo below.
The photo sparked renewed criticism of Bondi's actions and the Trump administration's larger cover-up.
Following her contentious testimony, Bondi saw a sharp shift in betting markets over her political future.
On Polymarket, herchances of becoming the first member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet to be dismissed climbed significantly after the hearing. Her odds, which had been below 45 percent on Tuesday, surged to nearly 65 percent by Wednesday as she sparred with lawmakers.
Notably, members of Congresscriticized Bondi over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files disclosures. Several accused the department of failing to properly shield victims’ identities, as required by law.
At one point, Washington Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal said that in some instances “nude images” of survivors had been made public, including individuals whose identities had remained protected for decades. She called on Bondi to issue an apology to the victims for what she described as serious failures in the redaction process.
Bondi dismissed the line of questioning as “theatrics,” at one point saying she would not “get in the gutter with this woman.”
- Even MAGA Podcaster Joe Rogan Is Ripping Trump For Flip-Flopping On The Epstein Files Release ›
- Tim Walz Just Gave Some Epically Shady Advice To Pam Bondi In Response To Her Letter Of Demands ›
- GOP Rep. Thomas Massie Threatens To Impeach Pam Bondi Over Heavily-Redacted Epstein Files ›
- Trump Mocked For Bizarre Denial After Wall St. Journal Reports On His Creepy Birthday Note To Epstein ›
- Trump Has Telling Reaction After CNN Unearths Photos Of Jeffrey Epstein At His Wedding ›
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Restaurant Sparks Heated Debate After Adding Mandatory 20% No-Tipping Fee To Diners' Checks
Tipping culture is an incredibly divisive topic, leading people to question if customers and restaurant guests should be made responsible for the livelihood of those who serve them their meals at these establishments.
Redditor Bulgingpants added fuel to the fire when they shared a receipt in the "End Tipping" subReddit from a restaurant calledBurdell in Oakland, California, remarking:
"What the f is this?"
There were many possible points of discussion, like two servings ofchicken being priced at $90 and a slice of carrot cake coming in at another $18.
But the jarring feature on the receipt was the mandatory tip, called a "service charge" at 20 percent. Based on this meal, it was $32.20 before tax, so the customers technically had to pay the $32.20 and another few dollars just to cover the tip.
The Burdell staff also printed a note at the bottom of the receipt, describing the service charge:
"Tipping in the US has an ugly past, allowing the continuation of underpaid labor. We don't like that history."
"Included on your check is a 20% Service Charge, which we use to pay hourly staff a consistent and livable wage, not dependent on archaic tipping customs or chance."
"No need to add anything else. Thank you!"
You can see the original receipt here:
Fellow Redditors called the restaurant out for still placing the onus on their customers.
"So, 'we don't like the tipping culture,' and YOU will need to pay our staff a livable wage.I will be honest, I would have asked for it to be removed!"- Bluestatevibes
"We don’t like tipping, it is ugly, so here is a 20% service charge instead. Thank you, and please come again. Don’t forget we charged you nine dollars for boiled peanuts, too." - jkprop
"He is still using his customers to pay his employees, while making a 400% markup on a chicken breast."
"He is still a sh*tty business owner. Don’t go there, and spam the reviews with one star." - Lovetritoons
"The business takes this money and then 'distributes' it. It’s right there in the ridiculous notation. I only tip cash and would have asked for this to be removed."- Rivercomplex1769
"We also added tax to that 20% surcharge... for your convenience.You're welcome." - MyldExcitement
Other Redditors agreed and pointed out that the restaurant should have the money to pay their staff, based on the receipt totals.
"$90 for two chickens and $16 for carrot cake! Let's be honest, with prices like these, they can more than afford to pay their employees a livable wage. The markup on the chicken alone is 600 to 800%!"- Imposter_89
"If they’re going to do this, they should just raise prices on everything a bit to even things out instead of a surprise charge later." - lycanthrope90
"This is the same as just upping the menu 20%. Problem is, I don’t think the OP knew it would happen before the bill came, which is the scummy part."- Consistent_Laziness
"If you don't like tipping, don't give your money to companies that expect you to pay for their employees. Simple as that." - ilikepastuh
"This is the problem, though... Not tipping does not end the problem of a business not paying its employees. Not eating at the bull sh*t establishment or people refusing to work there will be the only thing to cause the change." -confident_cabbage
It's commendable that this restaurant is at least bringing the issue up and attempting to address it, but their methods are questionable at best.
By driving up prices and adding mandatory fees, they're still placing the responsibility on their customers to pay their staff, simply by calling it something else, which is less than sustainable in the long run.
Viral Video Of Delivery Robot Maneuvering Around Unhoused Man In Miami Is Honestly So Dystopian
Technology is here to make our lives more convenient and successful, but it has a chilling way of calling out problems that we're experiencing.
In aTikTok video recorded by TikToker @hackedliving, an delivery robot named "Akira" was seen rolling down a sidewalk in Miami, eyes blinking as it approached its destination.
But in the middle of the sidewalk was an unhoused man, napping in a somewhat shaded area, lying in the fetal position directly on the cement with nothing underneath him.
Without stopping, the robot rolled off of the sidewalk to go around the sleeping, unhoused man, and then circled back onto the sidewalk to approach the TikToker recording the video to continue dropping off its delivery.
The delivery robot continued to drive until it reached the TikToker's feet and stopped, either ready for the TikToker to check in to receive their delivery, or confused about the new obstacle in its way.
You can watchthe TikTok video here:
@hackedliving how meta @City of Miami #billycorben
Fellow TikTokers were alarmed by what they had just watched.
Many were specifically focused on how dystopian this moment felt and how easily it could be slipped into aBlack Mirror episode.
The video footage also spread tothe X platform, whereX users were equally disturbed.
X users agreed with TikTok's sentiments about the moment feeling dystopian, though some also called it "cyberpunk" with the involvement of a literal robot.
This moment caught on camera is an interesting and chilling examination of how invisible unhoused people often are, even when they are in exceedingly exposed spaces. But seeing a robot, which had an unaffected reaction to the unhoused man and went around him like he was nothing, is an eye-opening example of how unhoused people are commonly perceived.
The alarming truth, however, is that this is how unhoused people are often interacted with by their fellow humans who have better living conditions. While they might have had a more visceral reaction to seeing the unhoused man sleeping on the middle of the sidewalk, there's a very real possibility that most people—not just robots—would also walk by him without doing anything about him being there or offering him help.
'Dawson's Creek' Stars Lead Poignant Tributes To James Van Der Beek After His Tragic Death At 48
After revealing to the public inNovember 2025 that he was battling colorectal cancer,James Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of 48.
Fans became concerned last December about the severity of his condition when Van Der Beek was unable to appear at theDawson's Creekreunion at New York's Richard Rodgers Theatre, due to having multiple illnesses at once because of his weakened immune system.
At the time, Van Der Beek was honest but positive about his condition, and he was grateful that he was learning more about self-love and being vulnerable with those he loved most by allowing himself to depend on them when he needed to.
To announce his departure, Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly, posted on his Instagram account:
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning."
"He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace."
"There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come."
"For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Fans were heartbroken at the loss ofVan Der Beek.
In the immediate aftermath of his passing, it's clear how muchVan Der Beek meant to so many people, especially his friends, family, and those he worked the most closely with, like his fellowDawson's Creek cast.
Katie Holmes, who played Van Der Beek's love interest onDawson's Creek,penned a powerful message by hand.
"James, thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred, breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others' hearts are safe in their expression..."
"These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs, adventures of a unique youth..."
"Bravery, compassion, selflessness, strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art, creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children, the journey of a hero."
"I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it."
"To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion."
Busy Philipps, who played Audrey onDawson's Creek, shared another touching tributeon Instagram.
"My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today… every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially hisparents, brother, and sister."
"But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife, Kimberly, and their six magical children."
"James Van Der Beek was one in a billion, and he will be forever missed."
"I don’t know what else to say. I am just so, so sad. He was my friend, and I loved him, and I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years."
According to his loved ones and costars, the actor was truly one in a million. His unique love for her life was apparent in his final months, when he repeatedly mentioned what he was most grateful for.
We hope his loved ones can findpeace beyond his cancer battle, and remember the good times.
Fox News Guest Slammed After Claiming U.S. Olympians Who Criticize ICE Are Committing 'Borderline Treason'
Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo was slammed after he criticized U.S. Olympians for speaking out against ICE and the Trump administration's policies, declaring during a conversation with network personality Laura Ingraham that the athletes are committing "borderline treason" in speaking out.
Multiple athletes have addressed the ongoing immigration crackdown. For instance, Richard Ruohonen, a curler from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota—just north of Minneapolis, where protests against ICE have continued for weeks—drew from his decades of legal experience,saying, "what's happening in Minnesota is wrong" while stressing the value of freedom of speech and of the press.
When Arroyo complained that the U.S. skiing team only "wants to talk about ICE," Ingraham said:
"Guess what, don't come then. If you're so, if the United States is so, don't wear and don't compete for the United States. I'm tired of this. This is ridiculous. The president responded on social media saying, U.S. Olympics skier Hunter Hess is a real loser. Went on to say he shouldn't have tried out for the team and it's too bad he's on it."
Arroyo replied:
"Right, just what you said. Well, Laura this is borderline treason."
When Ingraham noted that "the skier tried to do an about face," Arroyo engaged in a case of whataboutism:
"Well a little bit. But look, where are they talking about Jimmy Lai, who was just sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong for doing nothing but speaking and supporting free speech? Where are they about the Iranians who are on the street getting mowed down by that regime? Nobody talks about them at the Olympics."
"If you really want to make a political statement, talk about people who are really facing death—really facing dire circumstances. But we never hear that. We never hear that. And you know, they're competing with each other to get clicks and to make political statements."
"One guy peed in the ice, Laura. He said you know, 'F ICE.' I mean, this is, look at this. This is an Olympic skier. It's ridiculous."
"And he says, 'Well, I'm just using my platform.' No, you're using the UK's platform, who you're supposed to be representing in a game and you're using it to make stupid political statements and vile ones at that."
You can hear what Arroyo said in the video below.
For some reason, Arroyo doesn't seem to think President Donald Trump's supporters attacking the U.S. Capitol was a treasonous action. And he doesn't think it odd to say athletes exercising their First Amendment rights are committing "borderline treason" when the president is threatening allies and calling to invade Greenland.
He was swiftly called out.
The Trump administration is very bothered by critics who've spoken out against its policies.
Vice PresidentJD Vance wasslammed earlier after he complained about athletes "who pop off aboutpolitics." He said they must "recognize that the way to bring the country together is not to show up in a foreign country and attack the president of the United States but is to play your support and represent your country well."
Vance was criticized considering he, among other things,refused to apologize to the family of Alex Pretti—the ICU nurse killed by ICE agents last month—after sharing White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller's post claiming Pretti was an "assassin."
Canadian Olympic Team Reacts To Deadly School Shooting: 'We Are Heartbroken'
As TeamCanada executives, coaches, and players prepared for their final pre-tournament practice at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Wednesday, theirthoughts were with the community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
On Tuesday, a shooter killed at least eight people and wounded dozens at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Authorities later confirmed 10 total deaths. Seven people were killed at the school, while two were found dead at a nearby home. A woman whom police believe to be the shooter was also killed.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said more than 25 people were injured, including two hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Team Canada released a statement addressing the tragedy:
“We are heartbroken by the news of the horrific school shooting that occurred in British Columbia. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who are injured, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. Team Canada stands with everyone affected as they navigate difficult days ahead.”
You can view the statement below:
Heartbreaking news out of Canada, where 10 people are dead and 25 others injured in a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.
The Canadian Olympic Committee has just issued this release.
“Team Canada stands with everyone affected as they navigate the difficult days ahead”pic.twitter.com/zSNXSgFsRJ
— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux)February 11, 2026
Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, has 175 students in Grades 7 to 12, according to the provincial government’s website.
Police said five students between the ages of 12 and 13 were killed, along with a 39-year-old teacher. Authorities also confirmed that an 11-year-old stepbrother of the suspect was among the victims. A 12-year-old girl remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The town is more than 1,000 kilometers north of Vancouver, near the Alberta border.
Canada general manager Doug Armstrong opened his press conference yesterday by extending the team’s support to the community.
Armstrong acknowledged the weight of the moment:
“It affects everybody. This is sport. We understand there is real life and that trumps anything we are doing here. But all we can do is send our love, send our support, and then go out and do our jobs."
Head coach Jon Cooper, a native of Prince George, British Columbia—about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Tumbler Ridge—said the events felt especially close to home.
He reflected on the tragedy’s proximity to home:
“Obviously, I haven't been back in a long time, but you think about tragedies that happen, usually they kind of happen somewhere else, so you never really feel the effect of it touching close to home. But this one is close to home, and my heart goes out to all the families."
Because the shooting occurred Tuesday afternoon in British Columbia—nine hours behind Milan—many players and staff did not learn of it until Wednesday morning.
Team captain Sidney Crosby shared his condolences:
"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone you know that's affected. Obviously, you don't expect to see that. It was tough to see."
This year marks Canada’s 25th appearance at the Winter Olympics, having competed in every edition since the inaugural Games in 1924.
The NHL echoed the sentiments in a social media post on Wednesday:
National Hockey League statement regarding the tragedy in the community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.pic.twitter.com/CvEUOW07aO
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR)February 11, 2026
On the ice, Canada’s medal count at the Milano-Cortina Games stands at four. The team opened the men’s curling tournament with a 7-6 win overGermany on Wednesday. Still, the focus remained on events unfolding back home.
Across social media, fans thanked Team Canada for acknowledging the tragedy and expressed support for the Tumbler Ridge community, with many saying the statement reflected the nation’s grief.
You can view the reactions below:
School shootings are rare in Canada, which has strict gun-control laws. The federal government has responded to previous mass shootings with tighter firearm restrictions, including a broadened ban on guns it classifies as assault weapons. The attack is the country’s deadliest since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people and set fires that left another nine dead.
Video circulating online showed students walking out with their hands raised as police vehicles surrounded the building and a helicopter circled overhead.
Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the loss as devastating in a community he called a “big family.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke about the national grief:
"Parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers in Tumbler Ridge will wake up without someone they love. The nation mourns with you, and Canada stands by you."
Carney’s office said he canceled a planned trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Munich, Germany, where he had been scheduled to announce a defense industrial strategy before attending the Munich Security Conference.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said Tuesday that he had spoken with the prime minister about what he called the “unimaginable tragedy.”
The school district announced that both the high school and elementary school in Tumbler Ridge will remain closed for the rest of the week as the community begins to mourn.