Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary found himself in a heated confrontation during a CNN panel discussion about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, where he made controversial comments about the victims that drew sharp criticism from fellow panelists.
During an appearance on “NewsNight” with host Abby Phillip, O’Leary was asked why President Donald Trump has not ruled out pardoning Maxwell, who is serving 20 years in prison for helping Epstein abuse children. The businessman’s response sparked immediate backlash from other panel members.
O’Leary suggested that media coverage was harmful to the victims, stating that if anyone cared about them, they would not drag women who are now in childbearing years back into the limelight to expose them again to what he called a hideous outcome. He claimed these individuals do not want continued help or attention regarding the case.
Former MSNBC host Tiffany Cross challenged O’Leary’s assertions, questioning how he knew what the victims wanted and whether he had spoken to any of them about their desire for justice. When pressed for the basis of his claims, O’Leary admitted he had spoken to no one but described himself as being pragmatic about what he believed the hundreds of Epstein and Maxwell victims wanted.
The Shark Tank investor asked Cross whether she would not prefer to move on with her life if she were in their position. Cross firmly responded that if it were her, she would want justice pursued. The exchange highlighted the ongoing debate about how to handle the continuing fallout from the Epstein scandal.
The discussion occurred amid renewed scrutiny of the Epstein case, as Trump’s administration has faced pressure regarding the release of files related to the disgraced billionaire. The president initially vowed to release all Epstein-related documents, but later backtracked on this promise and denied the existence of a so-called client list that would implicate powerful figures.
Department of Justice lawyers, including one who previously represented Trump, met with Maxwell over two days as pressure mounted to release more details about Epstein’s crimes. Maxwell, who is currently appealing her conviction at the Supreme Court, has demanded immunity before testifying before Congress after being subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee.
O’Leary’s comments came during a period of increased media attention on his various business ventures and public statements. The 71-year-old entrepreneur has been actively involved in multiple high-profile deals, including attempts to purchase TikTok and various investments through his companies O’Leary Funds and O’Leary Ventures.
The Canadian-born businessman has built his reputation as a tough negotiator through his role on Shark Tank, where his blunt communication style earned him the nickname “Mr. Wonderful.” He initially made his fortune by cofounding SoftKey in the mid-1980s, building it into The Learning Company, and selling the educational software business to Mattel for $4.2 billion in 1999.
Beyond his television and business activities, O’Leary has ventured into acting, taking a major role alongside Timothée Chalamet in director Josh Safdie’s movie “Marty Supreme.” He initially hesitated about the acting opportunity due to his lack of experience with scripted performances, but producers reportedly told him they were not asking him to act but rather wanted the authentic personality viewers know from Shark Tank.
O’Leary’s involvement in the Epstein discussion reflects his frequent appearances on news programs where he offers commentary on political and social issues. His controversial stance on how victims should be treated in ongoing legal proceedings demonstrates the continuing complexities surrounding one of the most significant criminal cases in recent memory.
The heated exchange on CNN underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the Epstein case and how public figures discuss sensitive topics involving victims of serious crimes. As legal proceedings continue and political pressure mounts for transparency, such debates are likely to continue drawing public attention and criticism.