Carole Radziwill's return to The Real Housewives of New York Season 16 sparked questions about her connection to the infamous Epstein Files. Her RHONY co-star Sai De Silva grilled her about the association, but Carole's explanation has left many wondering what really happened.

According to the documents related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, he was indicted in 2019 on federal charges, including sex trafficking. His case never made it to the courtroom, as he died while in prison. Meanwhile, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking and is serving 20 years in prison. Carole mentioned being associated with The Epstein Files during RHONY Season 16 Episode 6, stating, "I talk about it, but I never knew Jeffrey Epstein. I never heard of him. Ghislaine [Maxwell] never spoke about him."

However, Sai seemed skeptical, asking, "So what was your relationship with Ghislaine? Weren't you two really good friends?" Carole replied, "If you read the press, we were." In her confessional, she further explained, "In the early 2000s, it would be strange if you didn't go out to a big event in New York, and Ghislaine wasn't there. I was friendly with her. We had a couple mutual girlfriends." Later, Carole called Ghislaine "a social climber," adding, "If you lined up 10 women and said, 'Which one was part of an international sex trafficking ring,' it would not be her."

Despite Carole's attempts to downplay her involvement, Sai remained unconvinced. She pointed out the seemingly jokey messages between Carole and Ghislaine, saying, "But even your messages that came up between you and Ghislaine. The messages were very jokey, jokey, and it was weird." Carole responded by stating, "I think the Epstein File, it pains me to my stomach. As someone who is a mother, I have a teenage daughter."

When asked directly if she believed Carole was involved in the international sex trafficking ring, Sai hesitated, saying, "I don't know." Carole felt judged, noting in her confessional, "I kind of feel like she thinks I'm guilty of something." Sai then stated, "I don't buy it. I'm not supposed to say that," implying that she believes Carole's involvement goes beyond mere friendship.

This exchange highlights the tension between Carole and her co-stars regarding her ties to the Epstein Files. While Carole may be trying to distance herself from the scandal, her past associations with Ghislaine Maxwell continue to raise eyebrows among fans and critics alike. With Bravo and Peacock both covering the show, viewers will likely be watching closely to see how this drama unfolds.

The Real Housewives of New York airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, also available to stream on Peacock.