The list of wealthy and powerful people connected to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has grown longer after the US government released millions of new files from its investigation into the disgraced financier. The latest batch of material known as the Epstein files was released on 30 January and included three million pages along with 180000 images and 2,000 videos. Several well-known names appeared in the documents including Richard Branson & Bill Gates & Elon Musk. Appearing in the documents does not suggest any wrongdoing. Many people who showed up in earlier releases have denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. The release happened weeks after the deadline established by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. US President Donald Trump signed this law in November and it required a complete release of all documents related to Epstein. Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans claim the Trump administration has not fulfilled its obligation and is withholding additional documents.
Elon Musk: Online Speculation Versus Verified Records
The documents show email conversations between Epstein & tech billionaire Elon Musk discussing travel plans that Epstein appeared to be setting up. Musk has said he never visited Epstein’s private island. In November 2012 Musk sent an email asking which day or night would have the wildest party on the island. In December that year he wrote another message saying he wanted to experience the party scene in St Barts or similar places and have a good time. He said a quiet island getaway was not what he wanted. Musk addressed the situation in a post on X in January. He admitted the emails could be used to hurt his reputation but said his main concern was making sure that people who committed serious crimes with Epstein face prosecution.
Bill Gates: Documented Associations and Public Responses
Two emails dated 18 July 2013 appear to be written by Epstein but their authenticity & whether they were actually sent to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates remains uncertain. The first email reads like a resignation letter from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and includes complaints about having to obtain medicine for Gates “to deal with the consequences of sex with Russian girls”. The second email starts with “dear Bill” & expresses grievances about Gates ending their friendship while making additional allegations about Gates attempting to hide a sexually transmitted infection from his then-wife Melinda and others. During an NPR interview Melinda Gates said seeing these documents released reminded her of the difficulties in her marriage. “I’m able to take my own sadness and look at those young girls and say, my God, how did that happen to those girls?” she said. “At least for me, I’ve been able to move on in life and I hope there’s some justice for those now-women.”
Donald Trump: Past Links and What the Files Indicate
The US president appears hundreds of times in the newly released documents. This includes a list that the FBI put together last year containing allegations against Trump from people who called the national Threat Operation Center tip line. Most of these seem to come from unverified tips that the agency received and lack any supporting evidence. The list contains many allegations of sexual abuse directed at Trump & Epstein along with other well-known public figures.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: Court Findings and Media Reporting
Photographs that seem to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on his hands & knees above a woman lying on the floor have been included in the newest release of Epstein files. Two of the pictures show the former prince touching the unidentified and fully dressed person on her stomach. A third picture shows him looking straight at the camera. The photos come with no explanation and nobody knows when or where they were taken.
Richard Branson: Travel Mentions and Clarifications Issued
Richard Branson’s name appears hundreds of times in the files. In one 2013 exchange Epstein thanks Branson for his recent hospitality and public relations advice. Branson replies that it was really nice seeing him and adds that he would love to see Epstein any time he’s in the area as long as he brings his harem. Virgin Group has clarified that harem referred to three adult members of Epstein’s team.
Sarah Ferguson: Named References and Official Statements
Sarah Ferguson is the ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and goes by the nickname Fergie. Her name shows up in several emails that were sent during the time when Epstein was under house arrest. One email from an account that appears to belong to Epstein states: “I think Fergie can now say I am not a pedo.” Another email from April 2009 contains a request to meet Epstein for a quick cup of tea. The message includes the words: “My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey. You are a legend and I am so proud of you.”
Lord Mandelson: Political Connections and File Appearances
Epstein made payments totaling $75,000 (£55000) to accounts linked to Lord Mandelson according to bank statements released in the files. Some of these payments went to his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva. The Metropolitan Police has opened a criminal investigation into Lord Mandelson over allegations that he shared market-sensitive information with Epstein. In 2009 da Silva sent an email asking for “anything you can help me with”. This was one year after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein responded by saying “I will wire your loan amount immediately”. Another email exchange shows Epstein arranging accommodation for Mandelson at one of his New York apartments. Epstein wrote that he was “thrilled to host and sad I’m not there”.
Steve Bannon: Mentions, Context, and Public Reaction
The files include thousands of messages that seem to be exchanged between the deceased convicted sex offender and Steve Bannon who was once a senior adviser to Trump. The majority of these messages date from 2018 & 2019 following Bannon’s departure from his position in the first Trump administration when he was working on a documentary about Epstein before his death. One text conversation reveals Bannon seemingly working with Epstein on reshaping public perception of his criminal history by proposing they should counter false claims and restore his reputation as someone who supports charitable causes.
