Debunked: Viral photo falsely links Marina Abramović to Epstein’s island rituals
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Circulated Claim: Numerous pages on social media are circulating an image claiming to show "Serbian performance artist Marina Abramović eating raw human flesh on Jeffrey Epstein's island, in a satanic ritual called cooking the souls."
The Claim: False.
The Truth: In reality, the image shows Abramović next to an artwork during a charity party held in New York in 2013.
An image shows Abramović, next to a woman, extending her spoon to taste from a box that appears to contain a body submerged in a red liquid. The image was accompanied by a comment (unedited): "The international artist Marianna Abramović tastes raw and fresh human body. Satanic rituals called cooking the souls shared by Hillary Clinton and her campaign manager."
Reality Check: The original image is published on Getty Images’ website as part of a collection of photos from Marina Abramović’s participation in a charity party held on July 27, 2013, in Southampton, New York, United States, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the “Watermill” art center. Next to her is American musician Lady Gaga, which disproves any association of the image with Epstein’s island.
As for the human body claimed to be presented as raw meat for consumption, it is actually a performative art piece titled "Funerals of Honey" by artist Lisa Lozano. The liquid filling the box was concentrated molasses flavored with honey.
The art party for the Watermill Center at that time was titled "Devil’s Heaven," and its concept focused on “uniting opposing sides” and merging the worlds of heaven and hell into a single artistic experience. The event aimed to raise funds to support the center’s work and the art programs run by its founder, Robert Wilson.
The party was described as a “unique laboratory” for performance art, featuring unusual works such as white smoke at the entrance, specially crafted drinks, and performances using live human bodies painted to form statues and artistic installations, including "Magnolia Tree" and "Funerals of Honey."
Many photos were taken during the party, which was attended by various artists and celebrities, drawing large crowds around the artistic works, including the installation in question.
Abramović in Epstein's Documents
The circulation of this image with misleading claims follows the release by the U.S. Department of Justice, on Friday, January 30, 2026, of millions of new documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The documents mention the names of numerous prominent figures in politics, business, and entertainment.
Abramović’s name appeared, according to media outlets, in the latest batch of documents, but not in connection with any misconduct or crimes committed by Epstein involving child sexual offenses. Instead, it appeared in correspondence between American writer John Brockman and Epstein, in which Brockman praised Abramović’s work.
The correspondence read: "I had a wonderful meeting with Marina Abramović and HUO (Hans Ulrich Obrist) last week. I went to the Sean Kelly gallery to see her amazing work. You should check it out."
It continued: "It turns out that, besides being the foremost performance artist, she is—according to HUO—a brilliant and highly valued lecturer in art circles. So the plan now includes her giving a lecture. But given her nature, and her sense of the group, it’s likely to turn into something more interesting, possibly much more exciting. She’s asked me to write a short note about each of the attendees so she’s prepared. I can send her articles about Tony. As for you, you’re much more mysterious and intriguing. Is there any press material about you that I could send her?"
Bill and Hillary Clinton are testifying before a Congressional committee regarding the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, according to a spokesperson for the former Democratic president. This comes after the couple had previously refused to appear before the committee.