“Reacher” actor Alan Ritchson used an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast to criticise politicians over the handling of the Epstein files, calling for their release and for alleged offenders to face jail. His comments matter because they add a high-profile celebrity voice to public pressure for transparency and accountability over the documents.

Ritchson used explicit language and did not name any individual, though he appeared to refer to a powerful political figure. He said he was unconcerned about the risks of speaking candidly, despite joking that his publicist would be anxious, and described himself as motivated by concern for vulnerable and overlooked people. He also said Arnold Schwarzenegger had encouraged him to enter politics, but that he is not ready to leave acting.