She stepped into Jeffrey Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion expecting a modeling opportunity—only to find herself drawn into a world of hidden cameras, powerful men, and girls far too young. Johanna Sjoberg, a former massage therapist for Epstein, later testified under oath about the disturbing encounters she witnessed and participated in, including the infamous incident where Prince Andrew allegedly groped her during a photo op at Epstein’s New York townhouse.
While never formally charged or named a co-conspirator like others in his circle, Sjoberg emerged as one of the most detailed witnesses in unsealed court documents—describing recruitment tactics, underage victims, and the casual normalization of abuse right under her nose.
Her accounts shocked the public, yet she remains free, her full story only partially told. What more does she know that never made it to the transcripts?
Johanna Sjoberg entered Jeffrey Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion in the early 2000s expecting a legitimate modeling opportunity, only to be pulled into a disturbing world of hidden cameras, powerful visitors, and girls who were far too young. Hired initially as a massage therapist and assistant, Sjoberg soon found herself immersed in Epstein’s inner circle, witnessing and at times participating in encounters that she later described under oath as deeply exploitative.
In her detailed 2016 deposition—unsealed in batches during the Virginia Giuffre v. Ghislaine Maxwell civil case and further released in 2024—Sjoberg provided one of the most comprehensive insider accounts of Epstein’s operation. She testified about recruitment tactics that targeted young women with promises of career advancement, the casual normalization of sexual abuse, and the presence of underage girls at Epstein’s properties. Sjoberg recounted how Epstein and associates treated the exploitation as routine, with “massages” serving as a euphemism for sexual acts. She described being directed to perform massages on Epstein and occasionally on others, while observing the grooming and coercion of minors.
Her testimony gained widespread attention for detailing an infamous 2001 incident at Epstein’s New York townhouse. Sjoberg alleged that Prince Andrew groped her breast during a photo opportunity involving a puppet of the royal, an encounter she said occurred in Epstein’s presence with Ghislaine Maxwell and Virginia Giuffre also there. The allegation, which Prince Andrew has denied, contributed to his 2022 out-of-court settlement with Giuffre and his subsequent withdrawal from public life. Sjoberg’s account also referenced other high-profile figures mentioned in passing, though she emphasized she never witnessed wrongdoing by some, such as Bill Clinton or Stephen Hawking.
Unlike many in Epstein’s circle—such as Sarah Kellen, Nadia Marcinkova, or Adriana Ross—Sjoberg was never named a potential co-conspirator in the 2007 Florida non-prosecution agreement, nor has she faced any criminal charges. Her role appeared more peripheral as an employee who became a witness rather than a core facilitator or recruiter. Prosecutors and investigators treated her primarily as a source of evidence, not a target. She cooperated in depositions and interviews, providing sworn statements that helped build cases against Epstein and Maxwell.
Following Epstein’s 2019 death and Maxwell’s 2021 conviction for sex trafficking, Sjoberg largely stepped away from the public eye. Recent reports from 2025 indicate she has focused on personal healing, citing faith and family as central to her recovery from the trauma of her time with Epstein. She has spoken sparingly in media, emphasizing the broader impact on survivors and the need for accountability. While her testimony shocked the public and fueled scrutiny of Epstein’s network, much of her full experience remains confined to court transcripts, with some details redacted or not pursued further in open proceedings.
Sjoberg’s emergence as a credible, detailed witness highlights the complex dynamics within Epstein’s world—where employees could transition from unwitting participants to key informants. Her accounts continue to inform ongoing discussions about justice for victims, the role of enablers, and the influence of powerful connections. As more documents surface and survivors seek closure, Sjoberg’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind the headlines, even as she maintains a private life far removed from the scandal that once engulfed her.
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