Epstein Files Expose Branson's Controversial Correspondence with Disgraced Financier
The latest release of documents related to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has unveiled startling email exchanges with billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. The correspondence, dating from 2013, reveals Branson making lighthearted references to Epstein's entourage while simultaneously offering strategic public relations guidance to help the financier rehabilitate his public image.
'Bring Your Harem' Invitation in 2013 Email
In a particularly controversial message sent on September 11, 2013, Branson wrote to Epstein following a meeting at his Necker Island residence in the British Virgin Islands. The Virgin Group founder expressed pleasure at their encounter, noting that 'the boys in Watersports can't stop speaking about it'. He then extended an open invitation for future visits with the caveat: 'As long as you bring your harem!'
This communication occurred four years after Epstein's release from prison, where he had served thirteen months following a plea agreement for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Representatives for Branson have since stated he would never have used such terminology had he been fully aware of Epstein's activities and the extent of his crimes.
Public Relations Strategy for Reputation Recovery
Beyond the casual invitation, Branson provided Epstein with detailed public relations advice aimed at managing his scandal-tainted reputation. The billionaire suggested that Epstein should publicly acknowledge his past transgression while framing it as a singular mistake from which he had learned.
Branson specifically recommended that Epstein emphasise having 'slipped up many years ago by sleeping with a 17 and a half year old woman and were punished for it'. He further advised stating that Epstein had 'more than learnt your lesson and have done nothing that's against the law since'. Branson even suggested recruiting Bill Gates to publicly praise Epstein as a 'brilliant advisor' to bolster his credibility.
Additional Context and Virgin Group Response
The email correspondence forms part of a broader pattern of interaction between the two men during 2013. Additional communications reveal discussions about Epstein visiting Necker Island with associates referred to as Dean and Greg alongside 'The 2 Russian girls'. Epstein also offered helicopter transport between Branson's Necker Island and his own private Caribbean retreat, Little Saint James.
A Virgin Group spokesperson has addressed the revelations, stating that 'any contact Richard and Joan Branson had with Epstein took place on only a few occasions more than 12 years ago' and was limited to group or business settings. The spokesperson emphasised that due diligence conducted when Epstein offered a charity donation uncovered serious allegations, leading the Bransons to decline the contribution and cease further contact.
The newly released files also include previously unseen photographs of Branson believed to originate from Epstein's private collection, alongside images of half-naked women filed by US officials. These documents emerge from the ongoing release of materials related to Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while facing charges for sex trafficking of minors.
