In an age filled with celebrity ‘body doubles’, impersonators, look-a-likes, and conspiracy theorists to connect all the dots, Palm Beach Pete fits right in.
Where Did This Guy Come From?
Peter Simel first gained major traction on social media in March of 2026 after being recorded by TikTok user Andrew Posey. Posey recorded Pete driving his convertible down the I-95 in South Florida. The video went viral with viewers fixating on a resemblance to late child sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
The video quickly spread across multiple platforms, accumulating millions of views. Simel then made a video of his own, identifying himself as ‘Palm Beach Pete’ and denying allegations of being Jeffrey Epstein. “I’m Peter from Palm Beach,” he said, “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein.”
The Conspiracy Theories…
Posts have circulated alleging that Peter from Palm Beach is secretly Jeffrey Epstein. Despite confirmed reports of Epstein’s death by suicide in 2019, the rumors and theorists persist.
Several online users have analyzed the dimensions of their teeth, pointed out similarities in their voices, as well as similarities in their behavior. In one clip, Simel is seen at a party with his arms around two young women, calling them ‘the most beautiful ladies’—a moment that did little to quiet online speculation. Simel has also drawn suspicion after filming several videos in front of his private jet that appears extremely similar to the one owned by none other than Jeffrey Epstein.
Other theorists do not believe that Pete is Epstein, but instead had close connections with him. Some online commentators have speculated about possible overlap, citing their shared ties to Palm Beach. Peter admits, “Back in the day when I lived in the city, I went to a couple of parties and Epstein was there…he was kinda creepy just sitting on a couch, staying to himself…he wasn’t the magnitude that he is, or was…”
Posted on his Facebook account.
Why is Pete So Famous?
Palm Beach Pete has received more attention in the media than many other celebrity look-alikes. But why does he still remain relevant? After the first viral video, Peter appeared numerous times between podcasts, Instagram, TMZ Live, and even on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Each appearance seems to give online audiences new material to keep the speculation going.
In a polygraph lie detector test conducted by content creator Nicholas Piff Peterson and a professional examiner, the examiner detected deception in Pete’s responses regarding his connection with Epstein. Polygraph tests are widely considered unreliable by experts in the scientific community and are not regarded as definitive evidence. In that same podcast, Pete also said he has a twin brother, a claim that has not been independently verified. Every instance only appears to further fuel the conspiracy theories, contributing to a cycle of relevancy.
Ongoing fascination with Epstein continues to fuel speculation around Simel. Epstein had significant wealth and high-profile connections, and remains a subject of public interest years after his death.
Peter’s Truth…
Peter Simel describes himself as a former real estate agent and Division I tennis player—an explanation far less sensational than the internet’s version of events.
“And he[Epstein] is a very bad person, what he did obviously. And he is dead, and I am alive.”
– Peter Simel –