Alan Ritchson blasts politics over Epstein files on podcast

Alan Ritchson put the Epstein files at the center of a profanity-heavy political broadside during the latest episode of Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, Variety reported.

The Reacher star demanded the release of the files and accused unnamed people in politics of protecting sexual abusers. Ritchson said he would produce the records “in two seconds” if he had the power, according to Variety’s account of the episode.

Ritchson framed the issue as one that should anger people, even joking about how his language might land with listeners who know him as a Christian. He said the subject was the kind of thing that could make a person swear, Variety reported.

What did Alan Ritchson say about the Epstein files?

Ritchson said he wanted the Epstein files released so people could see what is in them and hold people responsible, according to Variety. In his remarks, he spoke about taking the records from wherever they were being kept and moving aside anyone blocking access.

The “Epstein files” in Ritchson’s comments refer to records connected to Jeffrey Epstein that he argued should be made public. Variety reported that Ritchson described their release as required by law, but the report did not detail which specific records or statute he meant.

The actor also made a separate, unsubstantiated accusation about an unnamed political figure with significant power, according to Variety. Because he did not identify the person, the report did not include a response from any named official.

Before the rant, Ritchson joked that his publicist was likely worried about what he might say. He told Horowitz he lacks the instinct that makes some actors cautious about speaking publicly, Variety reported.

Ritchson also rejected the idea that he is a “loose cannon,” saying he was voicing what he believes people should say if they care about humanity, according to the report.

Is Alan Ritchson planning to run for office?

Ritchson also discussed politics more directly during the podcast, including encouragement he said he received from Arnold Schwarzenegger. According to Variety, Ritchson said the former California governor and fellow action star “really wanted” him to enter politics.

The actor did not rule out a future run, but he said he is not ready to step away from acting yet. Ritchson told Horowitz there may come a point when he feels he has enough resources or visibility to affect many people’s lives, Variety reported.

He said his interest would be focused on people who are overlooked, mistreated or living difficult lives. Ritchson described wanting to make the world more fair and free for those groups, according to Variety.

For now, Ritchson remains best known to television audiences for playing Jack Reacher, the blunt, hard-charging title character in the Prime Video action series. His podcast comments showed a public political edge that, by his own telling, makes people around him nervous.

This story draws on original reporting from Variety.