Elon Musk's Extensive Ties to Jeffrey Epstein Revealed in Newly Released Emails
Elon Musk had more extensive and amicable communications with the financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than previously known, according to documents released by the US Department of Justice on Friday. The newly disclosed emails appear to show the two figures cordially messaging each other to arrange a visit by Musk to Epstein's private island, Little St James, in the British Virgin Islands.
Email Exchanges Detail Plans for Island Visit
The documents include an email exchange from December 2013, where Musk and Epstein discussed scheduling the trip. On 13 December, Musk wrote, "Will be in the BVI/St Bart's area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit?" Epstein replied, "any day 1st - 8th . play it by ear if you want. always space for you." Musk then sent several emails outlining his schedule, and they settled on 2 January as a tentative date for the visit.
The exchange concluded with Epstein expressing regret that he could not meet Musk due to being detained in New York. He wrote, "Bad news- Unfortunately , my schedule will keep me in New York . I was really looking forward to finally spending some time together with just fun as the agenda. so i am very disappointed. Hopefully we can schedule another time in the near future."
Contradictions to Musk's Previous Statements
These emails seem to contradict Musk's longstanding denials of any ties to Epstein. In 2019, Musk told Vanity Fair that Epstein was "obviously a creep" and claimed he had declined invitations to visit the island. The newly released communications, however, suggest a more friendly and planned interaction between the two.
Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor and was arrested in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges before being found dead in his prison cell later that year.
Additional Documents and Broader Context
The emails are part of a tranche of over 3 million pages of documents made public by the Department of Justice. Other records include an email from Epstein's assistant, Lesley Groff, in 2013, which appears to arrange a lunch at SpaceX, stating, "Elon Musk appreciates the invitation to the Ranch but has commitments… Lunch on Monday Feb.25th at 1pm at Space X is confirmed." It remains unclear whether this lunch occurred or if Musk attended.
Further exchanges from March 2013 show Epstein congratulating Musk after a SpaceX rocket launch, indicating ongoing communication between them.
Musk's Responses and Broader Allegations
Musk has faced pressure to address his connections to Epstein, particularly after earlier document releases mentioned his name. In response to a 2014 calendar entry that noted "Reminder: Elon Musk to island Dec. 6 (is this still happening?)", Musk denied the plans on X, writing, "This is false."
He has also denied knowing Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, claiming a photo of them together was due to her "photobombing" him at a party. Musk stated he visited Epstein's Manhattan apartment briefly with his ex-wife for research purposes but did not provide a specific date.
Despite his denials, Musk has used Epstein's name to criticise others, such as Donald Trump and Bill Gates, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of these revelations.
A representative for Musk and his company xAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the newly released documents.
