Florida man mistaken for Jeffrey Epstein breaks silence after viral video
Reuters, Instagram
A Florida man has spoken out after a viral video led many online users to believe they had spotted Jeffrey Epstein alive.
The clip, filmed on a highway, showed a man driving a convertible while someone off-camera repeatedly claimed, “Epstein is alive.” The video quickly gained traction across social media, sparking widespread speculation and conspiracy theories.
However, the man in the video has now identified himself as “Palm Beach Pete,” firmly denying the claims.
“I’m not Jeffrey Epstein. I’m Palm Beach Pete,” he said in a response video, explaining that he had no idea he was being filmed at the time.
NEW: Man who went viral for looking like Jeffrey Epstein speaks out.
"I'm not Jeffrey Epstein, I'm Palm Beach Pete." pic.twitter.com/0B1CmQcukZPete said he only realized what had happened after his phone “blew up” with notifications, turning him into an overnight viral sensation.
Despite his clarification, the video continued to circulate, with many users still debating the resemblance. The incident highlights how quickly misinformation can spread online—especially when tied to high-profile figures like Epstein, whose 2019 death continues to fuel conspiracy theories.
For now, Pete appears to be taking the unexpected attention in stride, even as strangers recognize him in public and ask for photos.