Peter Simel, the Florida man whose resemblance to Jeffrey Epstein turned him into a viral internet personality, has announced that he has returned from Israel after undergoing another DNA test, prompting questions in some online discussions.
Known online as 'Palm Beach Pete', Simel says the latest test was carried out at a laboratory in Tel Aviv, where he claims the technology is far ahead of what is available in the United States. His announcement comes after months of conspiracy theories about his identity and plans to run for mayor of Palm Beach.
However, his post does not include a DNA report or independent confirmation of the laboratory's findings. Some online commenters have questioned why he travelled abroad for the test, while others continue to speculate about his identity. Neither appearance nor online speculation establishes that two people are the same person.
Why Palm Beach Pete Went to Israel for a DNA Test
In a post on X, published through the account @not_jeffepstein, Simel wrote: 'I have JUST RETURNED FROM ISRAEL, where I underwent a BRAND NEW DNA TEST at the world-renowned BioGenesis Laboratory in Tel Aviv.'
He also claimed that Israeli scientists were working with technology 'DECADES ahead' of that available in the US. Simel argued that Florida authorities could not interfere with the test, adding that they had 'ABSOLUTELY NO JURISDICTION OVER THIS TEST'.
I have JUST RETURNED FROM ISRAEL, where I underwent a BRAND NEW DNA TEST at the world-renowned BioGenesis Laboratory in Tel Aviv.
— Palm Beach Pete (@not_jeffepstein) October 8, 2026
The technology in Israel is DECADES ahead of what we have here in the United States. Their scientists are doing things our so-called “experts” in… pic.twitter.com/ATLAAOdmKb
The post did not provide evidence for the comparison between Israeli and American testing facilities, nor did it establish that officials in Florida had attempted to manipulate any results. The laboratory's credentials and involvement in the test have not been independently verified.
The announcement follows the attention Simel received in March 2026, when a video showing him driving a convertible along Interstate 95 in South Florida went viral. A person filming him shouted that Epstein was alive, prompting widespread online speculation.
Epstein, the convicted sex offender who faced federal sex-trafficking charges, was found dead in his New York jail cell on 10 August 2019. The New York City medical examiner ruled his death a suicide.
Simel subsequently rejected the comparisons in an interview reported by TMZ. He said he was not Epstein and described the online reaction as the product of people's imaginations.
A DNA test could help determine whether a sample matches a suitable reference profile, provided the samples are authentic and the analysis is scientifically valid. Without appropriate comparison material and a transparent, scientifically valid analysis, a test on Simel alone cannot establish whether he is Epstein.
Florida Mayor Campaign Adds Another Twist to Epstein Lookalike Controversy
In May, Simel said he was seriously considering a run for mayor of Palm Beach, Florida, and promoted a campaign built around lifestyle proposals, including free Botox treatments and access to convertibles. His plans were reported by Fox News.
The DNA dispute also overlapped with his mayoral ambitions after Simel reportedly said an earlier test had encountered problems. In a discussion previewed by The Nicky Gordo Show, the presenter said a previous test had been affected by technicalities involving a Florida board.
The available material does not independently establish the precise nature of those issues or verify that state officials deliberately obstructed testing.
In July, The Washington Times reported that Simel had received a purported letter from the Florida Division of Elections advising him to withdraw from the mayoral race. The letter was reported as fake, rather than an authentic government order. Its circulation added another layer of confusion to a story already shaped by online claims and counterclaims.
Simel's latest post again frames his actions as a response to alleged interference. However, his assertion that Florida officials are trying to derail his campaign remains unsubstantiated by the evidence accompanying the announcement.
Reaction to the Israel trip has been divided. A discussion on Reddit included users questioning why he would travel overseas for testing, while others interpreted the decision as further reason to suspect him. These are examples of online opinion, not evidence of wrongdoing or proof that the conspiracy theory is true.
Until independently verifiable results and appropriate comparison material are made available, the claimed test cannot resolve the speculation surrounding Simel's identity. The latest announcement has renewed online discussion, but the available evidence does not establish that he is Epstein or that Florida officials interfered with the testing process.
