The article from The Vigilant Fox (published February 5, 2026) is a bold, headline-driven piece titled "EXCLUSIVE: The Epstein Files Prove Pizzagate Was Real". It features an interview with journalist Ben Swann, who revisits his 2016 reporting on Pizzagate and argues that newly released Epstein-related documents vindicate the core idea. The piece is written in an urgent, vindicatory tone typical of the site — framing it as a long-overdue "gotcha" against media cover-ups and elite networks. The main thrust isn't that the Epstein files prove every wild detail of the original Pizzagate narrative (e.g., elites personally eating children in a basement at Comet Ping Pong, satanic rituals, or literal dungeons under a D.C. pizzeria). Instead, it focuses on narrower connections. Epstein's emails reportedly contain hundreds (or over 900 in some circulating claims) of references to "pizza," presented as suspiciously frequent and cryptic (e.g., "Are you sitting down right now? Jeffrey wants to have pizza with you."). This is tied to the FBI-flagged "code words" from pedophile communications ("pizza," "hot dog," "cheese pizza" allegedly meaning child-related terms). The article links this to the 2016 Podesta emails (the origin of Pizzagate), where similar terms appeared and were interpreted by 4chan/Reddit users as signals for a child sex ring. Additional claims include Epstein-linked discussions about child trafficking opportunities in Ukraine post-2014 coup (though no direct evidence of proven trafficking is detailed). Swann argues Epstein was a "chronic pedophile" operating as an asset, and that the "pizza" pattern shows the same coded language patterns dismissed in 2016. The piece concludes that this proves Ben Swann "was right all along" about an elite pedophile network, and criticises silence from MAGA figures, media, and politicians. Why the Epstein Files Do Not Prove Pizzagate The Epstein files, as described in this article and broader reporting on the 2026 releases, do not prove Pizzagate. Here's why, based on independent context: Pizzagate's Core Claims Remain Unproven and Debunked The original 2016 theory alleged a specific child-trafficking/paedophilia ring run by Democratic elites out of Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in D.C., involving coded emails, basements full of victims, and ritual abuse. Investigations (FBI, D.C. police, fact-checkers across the spectrum) found no evidence of any such operation at Comet Ping Pong — no victims, no hidden rooms, no basement dungeon. The theory led to a real armed incident (Edgar Welch firing shots inside the restaurant in December 2016), but nothing substantiated the claims. "Pizza" References Are Circumstantial at Best High volume of "pizza" mentions in Epstein's communications is interesting and eyebrow-raising in isolation, especially given his proven sex-trafficking crimes. But "pizza" is also just a common word — people (especially wealthy socialites) talk about food, parties, and catering constantly. Without context showing these were definitively code for child abuse (and linking to the specific Comet Ping Pong/Democratic ring), it's not proof. Mainstream coverage of the 2026 Epstein file drops (e.g., from BBC, PBS, Vanity Fair) notes the "pizza" buzz reviving Pizzagate talk online, but describes it as speculative revival rather than vindication — often labelling the theory "debunked" or "false." No Direct Ties to Pizzagate's Specifics The Vigilant Fox piece avoids claiming Epstein files prove a pizzeria-based ring, or any satanic elements. It pivots to a broader "elite paedophile network" idea (which Epstein's crimes do support in part) and Ukraine trafficking angles. But that's a different scope — not the narrow, location-specific Pizzagate hoax. Broader 2026 Epstein Releases The massive document drop (millions of pages, images, videos) under laws like the Epstein Files Transparency Act revealed more names, communications, and details on Epstein's network — but no bombshell proving Pizzagate's unique claims. Coverage highlights elite connections, but also notes redactions, incomplete releases, and political fights over full transparency. Conspiracy revival is real online, but independent sources treat it as pattern-matching rather than evidence. In short: The article is a classic example of stretching circumstantial dots (pizza mentions + Epstein's crimes) to retroactively validate a 2016 conspiracy that was always far more specific and extreme than what the files show. Epstein's documented horrors are bad enough without needing to revive debunked elements like Comet Ping Pong basements. If anything, this highlights how real scandals can get co-opted into older narratives — but it doesn't make those older narratives true. Independent events? Absolutely. Epstein was a monster with powerful friends; Pizzagate was a viral misfire born from hacked emails and online speculation. The files add fuel to questions about elite accountability, but they don't resurrect the pizza-shop child ring story. https://www.vigilantfox.com/p/exclusive-the-epstein-files-prove