Influencers Descend on Epstein's Private Island to Capitalise on Document Release
Social media influencers are increasingly travelling to Jeffrey Epstein's notorious Caribbean island, Little Saint James, aiming to profit from the revelations contained in recently released Department of Justice documents. Videos depicting content creators exploring the private island, once owned by the disgraced financier, have surged in popularity, with at least nine such posts uploaded since the beginning of 2026.
Collectively, these videos have amassed over 52 million views, as online searches for terms like 'Epstein Island' and 'Little Saint James' reached unprecedented peaks in February, according to data from Google Trends. 'The latest release of Epstein files created a trend, and that trend caused YouTubers to go there to kind of ride on that trend,' explained Jordan-based influencer Ahmad Aburob in an interview with NBC News.
Journey to the Island and Viral Content Creation
Many of the videos follow a similar pattern, beginning with creators flying to St. Thomas, the nearest island with an airport, and consulting locals for tips and rumours about the paedophile's private retreat. Subsequently, they investigate local Jet Ski and snorkel rental options before either swimming to the island's shore or deploying drones to capture aerial footage.
While some influencers hesitate to physically set foot on the island, which Epstein owned from 1998 until his arrest in 2019, others are more daring. Aburob admitted he 'went in very quickly' to produce his video, anticipating it would go viral and align with his usual content style.
However, not all visitors are typical influencers; some are known for prank videos or exploring government conspiracy theories. Junior Sangare acknowledged in his video that this content was a departure from his usual pranks, opting not to enter the island but promising his followers a return visit for a daring overnight stay if he received 100,000 likes.
Focus on the 'Temple' and Tunnel Theories
A recurring point of interest in these videos is a structure often referred to as 'the temple.' In recent footage, this building appears to have been painted over and boarded up. 'Ungodly things happened here,' claimed YouTuber Ash Alk during a visit in mid-February, describing the atmosphere as eerie.
Permit records reviewed by NBC News indicate the structure was originally proposed as a music pavilion equipped with a grand piano, living room, and bathroom, though the final design diverged significantly from these plans.
Another creator, Ben Lisi, focused on searching for potential tunnels beneath the island in a video posted last month. Although he found none, and Department of Justice files have not confirmed the existence of such tunnels, they do include photographs of a 'trap door' and references to a 'tunnel.' Lisi stated he created the video to raise awareness about the case in a light-hearted, adventurous manner suitable for his younger audience.
Historical Context and Security Concerns
YouTube videos featuring visits to Little Saint James are not a new phenomenon. Andy Bracco produced a video in 2020 that garnered 1.5 million views, after spending over 60 days researching how to access the island discreetly. Since then, he has advised numerous other content creators on how to reach the location.
'I think it's going to unfortunately become a bit of a trend,' Bracco remarked, noting that increased visitor frequency may lead to enhanced security measures on the island.
Luke Rudkowski filmed his visit shortly after federal authorities raided the island in 2019, motivated by a drone video that he believed showed someone resembling Epstein. At that time, Epstein's furniture and decorations remained on the island, including odd furnishings and gargoyle statues, similar to those at his Florida residence.
Reflecting on the recent influx of influencers, Rudkowski expressed mixed feelings, suggesting that if the Department of Justice had conducted a more thorough investigation, there might be less incentive for independent creators to exploit the situation for adventurous content.
Ownership and Development Uncertainties
Epstein purchased Little Saint James in 1998 and acquired the neighbouring Great Saint James in 2016. Following his death, the estate retained ownership until the islands were listed for sale in 2022. Billionaire Stephen Deckoff subsequently bought both islands for $60 million in 2023, announcing plans to develop a luxury 25-room resort scheduled to open last year.
However, the current status of these development plans remains unclear. A spokesperson for the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources confirmed that, as of March 2026, no plans for a resort on either island have been received. It is also uncertain whether influencers who trespassed on the island will face legal prosecution.
The Virgin Islands Police Department could not be reached for comment, and The Daily Mail has contacted Deckoff's firm, Black Diamond Capital Management, for further information.
