FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mercury Analytics Survey Finds 56% of Americans Would Be Likely to Stop Supporting a Public Figure Mentioned in Epstein Files
Nearly half said mention in the files would make them view a public figure more negatively
Washington, DC, March 12, 2026 — Mercury Analytics today released new survey findings examining how Americans are reacting to the most recent Epstein files release and how public association with the case could affect perceptions of well-known individuals and brands. The survey finds that 56% of Americans said they would be very or somewhat likely to stop supporting a brand, company leader, or celebrity mentioned in the files.
“Despite the stream of dramatic events dominating news cycles and dividing America, the abuse and criminal activity revealed through the Epstein Files continues to resonate across the country. The events detailed in the files deeply disturb Americans across the board, and as more facts emerge, that reaction is understandable. Our latest deep-insight research shows that people react negatively to any public figure mentioned in connection with Epstein,” said Ron Howard, CEO of Mercury Analytics.
Howard continued, “From a reputation perspective, our findings show that being named in connection with Epstein negatively affects how a segment of the public views that individual, influencing whether they continue to follow, support, or engage with that person or the brands associated with them.”
Public Association Translates into Lost Support
A majority of Americans indicate that mention in the Epstein files could influence their willingness to support a public figure.
The breakdown of responses shows how that sentiment divides:
- 36% said they would be very likely to stop supporting someone mentioned in the files
- 20% said they would be somewhat likely
- 31% said their reaction would depend on the specific allegations
- 13% said they would be unlikely to withdraw support
Public Perception Shifts When a Figure Is Mentioned in the Files
The survey also finds that 49% of Americans said they would think more negatively of a public figure mentioned in the files, while 17% said it would not change their view. Another 26% said their reaction would depend on the context of the allegations, and 8% said they would think more positively.
Negative reactions vary by political affiliation. Democrats were the most likely to say they would view a public figure more negatively (61%), compared with 48% of Independents and 37% of Republicans.
These responses indicate that association with widely discussed controversies can influence how audiences evaluate the reputation of public figures.
High-Profile Names Were the Most Common Surprise
When asked what surprised them most about the latest Epstein files release, respondents most often pointed to the prominence of individuals mentioned in the documents.
The most frequently cited reactions were:
- 50% cited the involvement of high-profile individuals
- 31% cited the scope or scale of the network described
- 24% cited the lack of consequences or accountability
Republicans were most likely to say the presence of prominent figures surprised them (58%), compared with 49% of Democrats and 40% of Independents. Independents were the most likely to emphasize the scale of the network (38%), compared with 29% of both Republicans and Democrats.
Methodology
The findings are based on a national survey conducted by Mercury Analytics among 1,115 U.S. adults, fielded Feb 11-12. The study uses Mercury’s patent-pending Qual at Scale methodology, which combines a deep quantitative study with embedded IDI-like qualitative probing of each participant on the most critical issues, capturing their answers, views, feelings, and reactions while automatically quantifying and coding qualitative responses in real time. The results deliver a level of understanding never before available within the time frame and cost profile of traditional quantitative surveys. Together with MercuryAI, extraordinary reports targeted and guided by clients can be generated in minutes.
About Mercury Analytics
Mercury Analytics develops and delivers industry-leading research technology designed to help organizations uncover deep, actionable insights with speed and precision. Combining a veteran team of researchers and in-house developers, Mercury provides clients with a unique blend of methodological expertise and advanced analytics tools, including its flagship platform, the Mercury Analytics Workbench.
From open-ends to full-scale mixed-method studies, Mercury supports a wide range of research needs across industries. The company is known for its hands-on partnership model, high standards of service, and ability to scale solutions without compromising quality. With a strong focus on automation, accuracy, and client experience, Mercury is committed to making high-quality research more accessible, efficient, and impactful.