GEAR JRNL

Food-Voracious-Sticky Rice

Advertisement

I created it almost by accident when I was obsessed with tomato paste and the umami it can contribute. The result is reminiscent of paella, but with the classic sticky-chewy texture of sweet glutinous rice.

You'll end up with a bit of crispy browned rice at the bottom of the pan — scrape it up, fold it into the final mix and savor those crispy bits. Please note, if using salted stock, omit the teaspoon of kosher salt.

Tomato-Bacon Sticky Rice

Servings: 4Ingredients2 cups (460 g) glutinous rice, such as sweet rice or sticky rice, soaked in water overnight1 tablespoon light soy sauce2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons tomato paste, divided8 ounces (225 g) thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon1 teaspoon fennel seeds1 teaspoon smoked paprikaPinch of red pepper flakes5 ounces (140 g) shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced (2 loosely packed cups), or 8 to 10 dried shiitakes rehydrated in hot water for 1 hour, then sliced3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated2 garlic cloves, minced1 ½ cups (360 g) unsalted chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water, divided1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon kosher saltZest and juice of 1 lemonDirections1. Rinse and drain the sticky rice. Place rice in a shallow heat-proof bowl that will fit into your steamer. Steam in two batches if needed.2. Mix the soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of the tomato paste in a small bowl. Toss with the sticky rice until evenly mixed.3. Set a bamboo steamer over 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a brisk simmer.4. Place the bowl in the steamer, cover, and steam over medium-high heat for 15 minutes or until the rice is translucent and sticky. (It won't be cooked all the way through.)5. Meanwhile, place the bacon in a single layer in a large nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. Set the skillet over medium heat and cook, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper-towel–lined plate. When it is cool enough to handle, chop it into ½-inch pieces and set aside.6. Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat, keeping 1 tablespoon in reserve. Heat over medium-low heat. Add the fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned.7. If the pan is dry, add the reserved tablespoon bacon fat. Add the white parts of the scallion and the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until softened. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons tomato paste and let caramelize, about 5 minutes.8. Reduce the heat to low, then add 1 cup of the stock, the sugar, and the salt and stir to combine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the steamed sticky rice and toss to combine, stirring gently and continuously until all the stock is absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes.9. Add the remaining ½ cup stock and the reserved bacon and mix to combine. Cover and steam for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked, sticky, and plump.10. Fold in the green parts of the scallions, top with lemon zest, and add a squeeze of lemon and serve immediately.___Betty Liu is a cookbook author, photographer and doctor completing her surgical residency. Her debut book was "My Shanghai." Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Epicurious and The New York Times. She lives in Boston with her husband, son and dog.Excerpted from "The Chinese Way" by Betty Liu. Copyright (copyright) 2024 by Betty Liu. Used with permission of Voracious, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 cups (460 g) glutinous rice, such as sweet rice or sticky rice, soaked in water overnight1 tablespoon light soy sauce2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons tomato paste, divided8 ounces (225 g) thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon1 teaspoon fennel seeds1 teaspoon smoked paprikaPinch of red pepper flakes5 ounces (140 g) shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced (2 loosely packed cups), or 8 to 10 dried shiitakes rehydrated in hot water for 1 hour, then sliced3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated2 garlic cloves, minced1 ½ cups (360 g) unsalted chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water, divided1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon kosher saltZest and juice of 1 lemonDirections1. Rinse and drain the sticky rice. Place rice in a shallow heat-proof bowl that will fit into your steamer. Steam in two batches if needed.2. Mix the soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of the tomato paste in a small bowl. Toss with the sticky rice until evenly mixed.3. Set a bamboo steamer over 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a brisk simmer.4. Place the bowl in the steamer, cover, and steam over medium-high heat for 15 minutes or until the rice is translucent and sticky. (It won't be cooked all the way through.)5. Meanwhile, place the bacon in a single layer in a large nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. Set the skillet over medium heat and cook, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper-towel–lined plate. When it is cool enough to handle, chop it into ½-inch pieces and set aside.6. Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat, keeping 1 tablespoon in reserve. Heat over medium-low heat. Add the fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned.7. If the pan is dry, add the reserved tablespoon bacon fat. Add the white parts of the scallion and the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until softened. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons tomato paste and let caramelize, about 5 minutes.8. Reduce the heat to low, then add 1 cup of the stock, the sugar, and the salt and stir to combine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the steamed sticky rice and toss to combine, stirring gently and continuously until all the stock is absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes.9. Add the remaining ½ cup stock and the reserved bacon and mix to combine. Cover and steam for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked, sticky, and plump.10. Fold in the green parts of the scallions, top with lemon zest, and add a squeeze of lemon and serve immediately.___Betty Liu is a cookbook author, photographer and doctor completing her surgical residency. Her debut book was "My Shanghai." Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Epicurious and The New York Times. She lives in Boston with her husband, son and dog.Excerpted from "The Chinese Way" by Betty Liu. Copyright (copyright) 2024 by Betty Liu. Used with permission of Voracious, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

2 cups (460 g) glutinous rice, such as sweet rice or sticky rice, soaked in water overnight

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons tomato paste, divided

8 ounces (225 g) thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pinch of red pepper flakes

5 ounces (140 g) shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced (2 loosely packed cups), or 8 to 10 dried shiitakes rehydrated in hot water for 1 hour, then sliced

3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 ½ cups (360 g) unsalted chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water, divided

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Directions

1. Rinse and drain the sticky rice. Place rice in a shallow heat-proof bowl that will fit into your steamer. Steam in two batches if needed.2. Mix the soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of the tomato paste in a small bowl. Toss with the sticky rice until evenly mixed.3. Set a bamboo steamer over 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a brisk simmer.4. Place the bowl in the steamer, cover, and steam over medium-high heat for 15 minutes or until the rice is translucent and sticky. (It won't be cooked all the way through.)5. Meanwhile, place the bacon in a single layer in a large nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. Set the skillet over medium heat and cook, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper-towel–lined plate. When it is cool enough to handle, chop it into ½-inch pieces and set aside.6. Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat, keeping 1 tablespoon in reserve. Heat over medium-low heat. Add the fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned.7. If the pan is dry, add the reserved tablespoon bacon fat. Add the white parts of the scallion and the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until softened. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons tomato paste and let caramelize, about 5 minutes.8. Reduce the heat to low, then add 1 cup of the stock, the sugar, and the salt and stir to combine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the steamed sticky rice and toss to combine, stirring gently and continuously until all the stock is absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes.9. Add the remaining ½ cup stock and the reserved bacon and mix to combine. Cover and steam for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked, sticky, and plump.10. Fold in the green parts of the scallions, top with lemon zest, and add a squeeze of lemon and serve immediately.___Betty Liu is a cookbook author, photographer and doctor completing her surgical residency. Her debut book was "My Shanghai." Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Epicurious and The New York Times. She lives in Boston with her husband, son and dog.Excerpted from "The Chinese Way" by Betty Liu. Copyright (copyright) 2024 by Betty Liu. Used with permission of Voracious, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

1. Rinse and drain the sticky rice. Place rice in a shallow heat-proof bowl that will fit into your steamer. Steam in two batches if needed.

2. Mix the soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of the tomato paste in a small bowl. Toss with the sticky rice until evenly mixed.

3. Set a bamboo steamer over 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a brisk simmer.

4. Place the bowl in the steamer, cover, and steam over medium-high heat for 15 minutes or until the rice is translucent and sticky. (It won't be cooked all the way through.)

5. Meanwhile, place the bacon in a single layer in a large nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. Set the skillet over medium heat and cook, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper-towel–lined plate. When it is cool enough to handle, chop it into ½-inch pieces and set aside.

6. Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat, keeping 1 tablespoon in reserve. Heat over medium-low heat. Add the fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned.

7. If the pan is dry, add the reserved tablespoon bacon fat. Add the white parts of the scallion and the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until softened. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons tomato paste and let caramelize, about 5 minutes.

8. Reduce the heat to low, then add 1 cup of the stock, the sugar, and the salt and stir to combine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the steamed sticky rice and toss to combine, stirring gently and continuously until all the stock is absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes.

9. Add the remaining ½ cup stock and the reserved bacon and mix to combine. Cover and steam for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked, sticky, and plump.

10. Fold in the green parts of the scallions, top with lemon zest, and add a squeeze of lemon and serve immediately.

Betty Liu is a cookbook author, photographer and doctor completing her surgical residency. Her debut book was "My Shanghai." Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Epicurious and The New York Times. She lives in Boston with her husband, son and dog.

Excerpted from "The Chinese Way" by Betty Liu. Copyright (copyright) 2024 by Betty Liu. Used with permission of Voracious, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

The cyclone displaced 16,428, while 15 people remain missing, 804 were injured and 423,986 were classified as affected by the disaster, the National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said.

Gezani barrelled through ‌the country just 10 ⁠days after Tropical Cyclone Fytia killed 14 people and displaced over 31,000, according to the United ⁠Nations' humanitarian office.

At its peak, Gezani had sustained winds of about 185 km (115 miles) per hour, with gusts rising to nearly 270 ​km per ​hour - powerful enough to rip ​metal sheeting from rooftops ‌and uproot large trees.

The cyclone moved westward across the Mozambique Channel, bringing heavy winds and waves of up to 10 metres in the southern end of Mozambique, its weather service said in a statement.

The weather system has since curved back eastward over ‌the channel, and forecasts show it ​looping toward Madagascar again, with a second ​landfall expected in southwestern ​Madagascar on Monday.

Authorities have placed Ampanihy district in ‌southwestern Madagascar on red alert, ​with Gezani forecast ​to pass about 100 km off its coast on Monday evening, bringing winds of around 65 km/h but no ​heavy rainfall, the ‌weather service said.

(Reporting by Lovasoa Rabary, additional reporting by Anathi ​Madubela in Johannesburg; Writing by George ObulutsaEditing by Bate ​Felix; Editing by Anil D'Silva)

There was no anticipation of any significant progress on ending the war at the Tuesday-Wednesday meeting in Switzerland as both sides appear to be sticking to their negotiating positions on key issues, despite the United States setting aJune deadlineto reach a settlement. The future of Ukrainian land that Russia occupies or still covets is a central issue.

Ukrainian defenders remain locked in a war of attrition with Russia's bigger army along the roughly 1,250-kilometer (750-mile)front line. Ukrainian civilians endure Russian aerial barrages that repeatedlyknock out powerandsmash homes, while Ukraine has developeddrones that can fly deep into Russian territoryand strike oil refineries and arms depots.

The governor of western Russia's Bryansk region said Monday that air defenses had shot down 229 Ukrainian drones in the previous 24 hours. No other Russian region has come under as many simultaneous drone attacks in a single day, Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said.

Ukraine's Air Force, meanwhile, said Russia launched 62 long-range strike drones and six missiles of various types at Ukraine overnight.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday that the talks in Geneva will deal with a "broader range of issues related to the territories and other issues connected to the demands that we have." He didn't elaborate on the issues.

A year of peace efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has failed to stop the fighting. Western officials and analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that time is on his side, that Western support for Ukraine will peter out and that Ukraine's resistance will eventually collapse under pressure.

Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff, posted a photograph on Telegram showing himself standing next to a train with other members of the negotiating team, which is due to be led in Geneva by Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council chief.

Entering or leaving Ukraine entails a long overland journey, even for VIPs, as the country's airspace is closed because of the war.

Putin's adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who headed Moscow's team of negotiators in the first direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul in March 2022 and who has forcefully pushed Putin's war goals, is returning to lead Moscow's delegation. Medinsky has written several history books that focus on exposing purported Western plots against Russia and denigrate Ukraine.

Igor Kostyukov, the head of Russian military intelligence, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, along with other officials, will also be in the delegation, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said.

Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev will also travel to Geneva for separate talks with the U.S. on economic cooperation, according to Peskov. Moscow and Kyiv are keen to offer future business opportunities to Washington.

It was not clear which American officials would be in Geneva. Atrecent talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the Trump administration was represented by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The Russian and Ukrainian delegations were to report back to their leaders before any possible compromises discussed in Geneva could be accepted.

Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine athttps://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

NEED TO KNOW

• Jason Oppenheim and Jessica Vargas have broken up, the couple confirmed to PEOPLE on Feb. 15

• "While we won't be husband and wife, we will be best friends," Oppenheim told PEOPLE

• The Selling Sunset star's split from Vargas comes less than a year after they went public with their relationship in April 2025

Jason OppenheimandJessica Vargashave split.

The Oppenheim Group owner, 48, and Vargas, a realtor associate at the brokerage, confirmed their breakup in statements shared exclusively with PEOPLE, which were sent jointly on Sunday, Feb. 15, as they are in Hawaii together to attend a wedding.

"Jessica is the most beautiful woman I've ever met, inside and out, and while we won't be husband and wife, we will be best friends," Oppenheim tells PEOPLE. "Having her in my life is what matters most."

Vivien Killilea/Getty

Vargas echoed theSelling Sunsetstar's sentiments.

"Jason and I have a lot of love for each other, and that's not going anywhere," Vargas says. "The best outcome for us is staying close and remaining in each other's lives as best friends."

"He's truly a gem of a human with the biggest heart, and I'm grateful for him," she adds of theSelling Sunsetstar.

The couple also confirmed their breakup publicly, sharing brief statements over a photo of them on Instagram Stories.

Advertisement

"We're no longer boyfriend and girlfriend... but still love each other and still best friends," Oppenheim penned over the black-and-white shot, as Vargas reposted and added, "Love you J& may this type of friendship find us all."

Jason Oppenheim/Instagram

Oppenheim and Vargas confirmed their romance in April 2025 when they made their red carpet debut together at the Los Angeles premiere ofThe Accountant 2. A week later, theywent Instagram official.

On April 21, Vargas shared several photos with Oppenheim, including a snap of the reality star holding her from behind while they posed in front of mountains, a picture of the pair watching TV at home and one of them on a boat surrounded by friends and co-workers.

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"Lately with us. A few favorites from the camera roll and @jasonoppenheim bday extravaganza," she captioned the post, adding a red heart emoji.

Oppenheim reciprocated the love in the comments section, writing, "Baby, love these!" and adding three red hearts of his own.

The then-new romance also got the seal of approval from Oppenheim's ex,Chrishell Stause, who "liked" the post.

Read the original article onPeople

In a 2008 interview withMassLive, Joel shared how the fate of "Just The Way You Are" hung in the balance until two famous female singers,Linda RonstadtandPhoebe Snow, gave the song their overwhelming stamp of approval. Their input convinced Joel the tune was worth taking a chance on.

"We just went in to make as good a record as we could. I didn't think at the time it was going to be a big commercial hit," Joel said ofThe Stranger. "Just The Way You Are" was written for his first wife, manager, and muse,Elizabeth Webber.

"I don't really know what's going to be a big commercial hit. We almost left 'Just The Way You Are' off the album because we really didn't like it that much. But some girls talked us into leaving it on."

Parade Daily🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

He explained that the "girls" were Snow and Ronstadt, who heard the track and said, "'You guys are crazy, you've gotta keep that on the album.' We said 'Yeah? Well, ok.'"

Advertisement

Joel added, "I guess girls like that song. It's a chick song."

"Before we went in to recordThe Stranger, I think I had 'Just The Way You Are,' but we did not have the right drum pattern for it. I think we had it as a cha-cha, which made us hate the song right off the bat."

Joel worried the song was too sentimental and feared it would stick out from the rest of the album. However, the LP's producerPhil Ramoneinsisted it was a must-have. To prove his point, he invited Ronstadt and Snow into the studio to listen to the song and sway Joel's opinion of the tune.

The Strangerwould go on to become Billy Joel's best-selling album. It was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America, with sales over 10M albums.

PerBillboard, the LP spawned four Top 40 hits: "Just the Way You Are" (No. 3), "Movin' Out" (No. 17), "She's Always a Woman" (No. 17), and "Only the Good Die Young" (No. 24).

This story was originally published byParadeon Feb 15, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

David and Victoria Beckham'soldest son admitted he was the "luckiest person in the world" in a kissing snap with Nicola Peltz shared on social media Sunday.

The Internet was set alight with Brooklyn's innocent public display of affection weeks after the budding chefaired his family dramain a manifesto posted online.

Brooklyn, 26, showed off his arsenal of artwork in the black-and-white photo where he kissed his bride.

Gordon Ramsay Denies Brooklyn Beckham's Wedding Dance Allegations Against Victoria Beckham

"Happy Valentine's Day baby," Brooklyn wrote. "I am the luckiest person in the world to be able to call you my valentines every year x I love you more than you know and I will forever protect and love you x."

Read On The Fox News App

Cruz Beckham's Nostalgic Post Ignites Social Frenzy Amid Brooklyn Family Feud: 'Did You Contact His Lawyer'

App Users Click Here To View Post

Social media users raised questions about the post, and had a few notes for Brooklyn.

"Am I the only one who thinks this is weird?" one user asked, while another offered, "First of all, use seasonings in your cooking. Secondly, call your parents."

One fan simply asked, "Didn't youguys want privacy?" One user noted, "A woman who pulls you away from your family root does not love you."

"Only a day late, daddy must've taken his Rolex back," another follower said.

One fan advocated for the couple, and encouraged users to remember the joys of innocent affection.

Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter

"They are young they are in love leave them alone! Young love is indestructible don't you all remember yours," they wrote.

Last month, Brooklyn became the center of the storm and confirmed a longstanding war within his family in a lengthy statementshared on social mediawhere he explained how his parents "controlled narratives" throughout his life in an attempt "to preserve" a functioning family facade.

Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News

Prior to the bombshell statement, the 26-year-old photographer reportedly sent his parents alegal "desist" letter,informing them they could only speak to him and his wife via lawyers. The Sun reported that the letter instructed his parents not to mention him or his wife on social media.

In his January social media post, Brooklyn made accusations that his parents had tried to sabotage his marriage to claims that Victoria canceled making Peltz's wedding dress at the "eleventh hour."

"My family values public promotion and endorsements above all else," Brooklyn stated in the public rant shared on Instagram Jan. 19. "Brand Beckham comes first."

"My wife and I do not want a life shaped by image, press, or manipulation. All we want peace, privacy and happiness for us and our future family," Brooklyn's lengthy statement concluded.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

In addition to Brooklyn, 26, the former Spice Girls member and her husband, David Beckham, are also parents to sons Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 20, and daughter Harper, 14, all of whom Brooklyn has blocked on social media.

Original article source:Brooklyn Beckham catches wrath for 'weird' Valentine's Day post amid family war

On CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, Feb. 15, Jess Michaels, Liz Stein and Teresa Helm responded to Bondi's combativeappearance before the House Judiciary Committeelast week, during which Democrats and several Republicans severely criticized the administration's handling of the files and related investigations.

Chief among the complaints was the rollout of the documents not complying with a congressional deadline, and the release of some victim names and identifying information, while the names of potential co-conspirators and Epstein associates were redacted.

See photos:Pam Bondi faces Congress amid concerns over DOJ Epstein files release

"She was turning her back on survivors everywhere, and not just us," Helm alleged to CNN's Jake Tapper. "And that's not the message that we should be sending at all."

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) (R) talks with Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) as they arrive for a hearing with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Feb. 11, 2026 in Washington, DC.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Pam Bondi faces Congress amid concerns over DOJ Epstein files release

The Justice Department has been under fire for not prosecuting any alleged co-conspirators of theaccused sex trafficker, and for releasing roughly60% of the documents it hasrelated to Epstein. Bondi told lawmakers during the Wednesday, Feb. 11 hearing that investigations into possible co-conspirators are ongoing.

She denied accusations from lawmakers, including by Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, that the department wasengaged in a "cover-up."

The only other person prosecuted so far has been Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving 20 years in prison. Epstein died in jail in 2019 awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges. The Department of Justice estimates the late money managervictimized more than 1,000 woman and children.

More:What we know about Lifetouch, school photos and the Epstein files

During the hearing, the three women were seated directly behind Bondi, among others who say they were victims of sexual abuse and trafficking by Epstein. The attorney general refused to turn around and acknowledge the group when asked to do so. At another point, the group of nearly a dozen all raised their hands when asked by a member of Congress whether they were waiting to be contacted by the Justice Department to speak about their allegations against Epstein.

Stein told CNN's Tapper that the administration has tried to discredit Epstein survivors, and officials have made attempts at seeking justice over Epstein's alleged crimes "incredibly difficult."

"For us to be in that room withPam Bondilast week, and for her to not even be able to turn around and look at us like human beings − we're just seeing this bad behavior of our administration over and over and over again, in plain sight," Stein added.

More:'You all should be apologizing.' Bondi fights with Democrats in fiery hearing

Bondi has denied that she has ignored women who accused Epstein of sexual abuse and invited any crime victims to contact the FBI.

"I have spent my entire career fighting for victims, and I will continue to do so," Bondi said during the hearing. "I am deeply sorry for what any victim has been through, especially as a result of that monster."

During one particularly heated exchange, a Democratic lawmaker asked Bondi how many of Epstein's accomplices she had pushed to be indicted, which is none. The attorney general responded by noting the Dow Jones Industrial Average has topped 50,000, the S&P 500 neared 7,000 and the Nasdaq "is smashing records" underPresident Donald Trump, arguing they should instead be focusing on therising stock marketand falling crime.

During the CNN interview, Michaels reacted to that response, referencing acomplaint filed to the FBI by Maria Farmerover child sexual abuse material. Farmer, who also alleged Epstein and Maxwell sexually assaulted her, has accused the government of being negligent in not responding to her complaints.

"I think it comes down to the same common denominator that has happened since 1996, when Maria put her first report in, that this comes down to money, that people are willing to protect pedophiles if the price is right," Michaels alleged.

Several high-profile individuals who have appeared in the files have faced swift public rebuke for maintaining personal and business relationships with Epstein for years after he was convicted in 2008 on two state prostitution charges. Reverberations of the scandalhave stretched beyond the United States, impacting two European royal families and several European governments.

Two House members wholed the effort to force the Justice Departmentto release the Epstein files alleged they discovered at leastsix more suspected accompliceswhose names are redacted in publicly released materials without explanation. The departmentbegan allowing lawmakerson Feb. 9 to review millions of records that remain confidential.

"Something that I like to bring the public's focus back to is that this isn't about politics. This is about a crime," Stein said. "We're victims of the crime of sex trafficking, and I don't think that anyone in our country, if this was happening in their community, could stand by and watch it."

Contributing: Bart Jansen, USA TODAY.

Kathryn Palmer is a politics reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her atkapalmer@usatoday.comand on X @KathrynPlmr. Sign up for her daily politics newsletterhere.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Epstein accusers slam Pam Bondi after heated hearing