Richard Branson Distances Himself from Jeffrey Epstein Following Email Release
Sir Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, has publicly distanced himself from the late financier Jeffrey Epstein after a series of emails between the two men were published by the United States Department of Justice. The correspondence, which dates back to September 2013, was included in a massive document dump of over three million files related to Epstein, released as mandated by federal law.
Details of the 2013 Email Exchange
The email exchange, initiated by Epstein, shows a friendly rapport between the two figures. Epstein wrote, "Nice seeing you, thanks for your hospitality. I appreciate your public relations thoughts." He went on to offer connections to the head of the Nobel Prize Committee, referenced financial transactions, and noted he would be on "the island" until Christmas.
In his response hours later, Branson reminisced warmly about their meeting, writing, "It was really nice seeing you yesterday. The boys in Watersports can't stop speaking about it! Any time you're in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!" A spokesperson for the Virgin Group later clarified that the term "harem" referred to three adult members of Epstein's team, and stated that Branson would not have used this language had he been aware of the full extent of Epstein's past actions.
Branson's Public Relations Advice to Epstein
The email chain further reveals that Branson offered Epstein extensive public relations advice, suggesting a strategy for rehabilitating his image. Branson wrote, "I think if Bill Gates was willing to say that you've been a brilliant advisor to him, that you slipped up many years ago by sleeping with a 17 ½ year old woman and were punished for it, that you've more than learnt your lesson and have done nothing that's against the law since and, yes, as a single man you seem to have a penchant for women. But there's nothing wrong with that. Anyway something along those lines." This advice was given at a time when Epstein had already pleaded guilty to state charges of procuring a minor for prostitution and had completed a brief work-release incarceration.
Virgin Group's Official Statement
A spokesperson for the Virgin Group issued a statement downplaying the relationship and the email exchange. "Any contact Richard and Joan Branson had with Epstein took place on only a few occasions more than twelve years ago, and was limited to group or business settings, such as a charity tennis event," the spokesperson told The Independent. "When Epstein offered a charity donation, the Bransons asked their team to carry out due diligence before accepting the donation, which uncovered serious allegations. As a result of what the due diligence uncovered, Virgin Unite did not take the donation and Richard and Joan decided not to meet or speak with Epstein again."
The spokesperson emphasised, "Had they had the full picture and information, there would have been no contact whatsoever. Richard believes that Epstein's actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims." Joan Branson, Richard's longtime wife who passed away in November, was also referenced in the statement.
Historical Context and Previous Connections
It was previously known that Branson and Epstein were acquainted. Epstein kept a framed photograph of himself with Branson at his New York City townhouse, and images of the pair together had been released in earlier batches of the Epstein files. Both men owned private islands in close proximity within the Caribbean Sea, further linking their social and business circles.
The latest document release names numerous high-profile individuals, including former President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and entrepreneur Elon Musk. It is important to note that being mentioned in these files does not inherently indicate any wrongdoing on the part of those named.
The emergence of these emails has sparked renewed scrutiny into the associations of wealthy and influential figures with Epstein, whose criminal activities have been widely documented. Branson's attempt to distance himself reflects a broader pattern among public figures seeking to clarify their past interactions with the disgraced financier in light of ongoing legal and public interest.
