Actress and former Real Housewives of New York City star Carole Radziwill has publicly addressed her name appearing in the Jeffrey Epstein files, saying transparency is important given her past friendship with Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, who also photographed her for a 2007 memoir. The issue is expected to feature prominently in the show's upcoming 16th season, as it was already teased in the trailer, making her comments a notable pre-emptive response ahead of broadcast.

Speaking during a cast Q&A hosted by Andy Cohen, Radziwill said she and "many, many more people" found their names in the files but stressed she "didn't know anything" about Epstein and Maxwell's crimes at the time, calling it "hard" to reconcile having once considered someone a friend who turned out to be "a horrible, horrible person." She said she was initially nervous but views it as an opportunity to speak openly, while emphasising the real victims and survivors who confronted "very powerful people." Radziwill, who starred on RHONY from seasons five to ten, has returned as a full-time cast member for season 16, which premieres on Bravo on Tuesday, 9 September at 8pm.