“The Hunt” was released in March 2020. While watching it, one felt nauseous at the wealthy people, who hunted a group of strangers, killing them for fun. The movie satirised political polarisation, media narratives and class conflict.

The core theme was contained in the following six-word dialogue, spoken by the character Athena (Hillary Swank):

“People like you are the problem”.

This one line captures the ideological hatred of the elites against individuals who are not human as per their definition, thus justifying dehumanisation.

But it was still a movie. I could not, in my wildest imagination, think that at that time, a volcano was sweltering, which, when it erupted, would send shock waves across the world.

Jeffrey Epstein was found dead on 10 August 2019 in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre, New York (rumours persist to this day that he was murdered and did not commit suicide). But the recent publishing of the Epstein files by the Department of Justice in the USA has given him a rebirth. They have dealt a heavy blow to public confidence.

It is very difficult to read and stay unaffected by the disturbing allegations linked with business leaders, politicians, royalty, academics, celebrities and others, who were expected to exhibit a high moral standard.

Jeffrey, with the assistance of his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, operated a trafficking........

© The Friday Times