Introduction
The list of some of the world’s wealthiest and most influential individuals linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has expanded following the release of millions of new documents by the US government. These files stem from investigations into Epstein’s activities.
It is important to note that inclusion in these documents does not imply any wrongdoing. Many individuals mentioned in previous releases have denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.
Elon Musk
The documents contain email exchanges between Epstein and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk regarding travel plans Epstein appeared to be organizing. Musk has stated he never visited Epstein’s private island.
In November 2012, Musk wrote: "What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?"
In December 2012, he added: "I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose", noting that a "peaceful island experience" was the opposite of what he desired.
In January, Musk responded on X acknowledging the emails might be used to "smear my name" but emphasized his concern was for the prosecution of those who committed serious crimes with Epstein.
Bill Gates
Two emails dated 18 July 2013, purportedly drafted by Epstein, reference Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, though their authenticity and whether they were sent remain unclear.
One email, written as a resignation letter from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, complains about procuring medicine for Gates "to deal with the consequences of sex with Russian girls."
Melinda Gates, in an NPR interview, reflected on the documents evoking memories of their marital difficulties.
"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."
A spokesperson for Gates told the BBC: "These claims – from a proven, disgruntled liar – are absolutely absurd and completely false."
Donald Trump
The former US president is mentioned hundreds of times in the newly released files, including a list compiled by the FBI in 2022 of allegations made against Trump by callers to its national Threat Operation Center tip line.
Many of these allegations appear to be unverified tips without supporting evidence. The list includes numerous sexual abuse allegations against Trump, Epstein, and other prominent figures.
Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, stating he severed contact decades ago. Epstein’s victims have not accused Trump of any crimes.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Photographs included in the latest release appear to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling on all fours over a fully clothed unidentified female lying on the ground. In two images, he is seen touching her stomach; another shows him looking directly at the camera.
No context, date, or location is provided for these photos.
The BBC has approached Mountbatten-Windsor for comment. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Richard Branson
Richard Branson’s name appears hundreds of times in the files. In a 2013 email exchange, Epstein thanked Branson for his hospitality and public relations advice. Branson replied it was "really nice" seeing Epstein and invited him to visit, adding: "As long as you bring your harem!"
Virgin Group clarified that "harem" referred to three adult members of Epstein’s team.
Virgin Group stated to the BBC that Branson’s contact with Epstein was limited to a few occasions over twelve years ago, mainly group or business settings such as a charity tennis event.
When Epstein offered a charity donation, Virgin Unite conducted due diligence that uncovered serious allegations, leading to the donation being declined and Branson and his wife deciding not to meet Epstein again.
The statement added: "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."
Sarah Ferguson
Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, known as Fergie, is mentioned in multiple emails, including during Epstein’s house arrest period.
One email from an account believed to be Epstein’s states: "I think Fergie can now say, I am not a pedo."
Another email exchange from April 2009 includes a request to meet Epstein for a "quick cup of tea," with the lines: "My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey. You are a legend, and I am so proud of you."
The emails do not indicate any wrongdoing. The BBC has contacted Ferguson for a response.
Lord Mandelson
Bank statements in the files suggest Epstein made payments totaling $75,000 (£55,000) to accounts connected to Lord Mandelson, including to his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into Lord Mandelson following claims he passed market-sensitive information to Epstein.
In 2009, one year after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor, da Silva sent an email requesting "anything you can help me with." Epstein replied: "I will wire your loan amount immediately."
Another email exchange shows Epstein arranging accommodation for Mandelson at one of his New York apartments, writing: "thrilled to host and sad I'm not there."
Lord Mandelson has announced he will step down from the House of Lords. He expressed regret for having known Epstein and continuing association after Epstein’s conviction.
He stated he "was never culpable or complicit in (Epstein's) crimes. Like everyone else I learned the actual truth about him after his death."
He has not responded to allegations of leaking documents but maintains he did not act criminally or for personal gain, asserting he sought Epstein’s expertise during the 2008 financial crisis in the national interest.
Steve Bannon
The files contain thousands of messages between Epstein and Steve Bannon, a former senior adviser to Donald Trump.
Most messages were sent in 2018 and 2019 after Bannon left the White House, during the production of a film about Epstein prior to his death.
One text exchange shows Bannon strategizing with Epstein on changing the narrative about Epstein’s past crimes, suggesting they "first need to push back on the lies" and "rebuild your image as philanthropist."
Bannon, who is not accused of wrongdoing, did not respond to BBC requests for comment.
Miroslav Lajčák
An October 2018 text exchange between Miroslav Lajčák, then Slovakia’s foreign minister, and Epstein includes messages about girls and diplomacy.
After Epstein sent an image (not visible in the records), Lajčák replied: "Why don't you invite me for these games? I would take the 'MI' girl." Epstein responded: "Who wouldn't. You can have them both, I am not possessive. And their sisters."
Following the document release, Lajčák resigned from his post as Slovakia’s national security advisor. He is not accused of wrongdoing.
Howard Lutnick
Billionaire businessman and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick planned a visit to Epstein’s island Little Saint James with his family, according to emails in the files.
In a December 2012 email, Lutnick’s wife Allison wrote to Epstein’s assistant: "We are looking forward to visiting you" and "We would love to join you for lunch."
The Commerce Department stated to the BBC that "Secretary Lutnick had limited interactions with Mr Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing."
Larry Summers
Former US Treasury Secretary and Harvard University president Larry Summers appears in the documents, including references to meetings and dinners with Epstein.
Emails from 2017 show Summers and Epstein joking about and criticizing Donald Trump during his first term.
Epstein wrote: "Your world does not understand how dumb he really is."
After being mentioned in a November batch of Epstein files, Summers took "full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr Epstein" and resigned from several positions, including his advisory role at OpenAI.
Steve Tisch
Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants, is shown in the documents inquiring about a woman he met at Epstein’s residence.
In one email, Tisch asked whether the woman was a professional or a "civilian." Epstein told Tisch he had a "present" for him and described a woman as "tahitian speaks mostly french, exotic."
In a statement to CNN, Tisch said he and Epstein "had a brief association," adding he "did not take him up on any of his invitations and never went to his island."
Brett Ratner
Director Brett Ratner, known for the Rush Hour films and X-Men: The Last Stand, appears in a photo embracing a young woman in the files.
He is seen sitting on a sofa beside Epstein and two women whose identities are obscured.
The files do not indicate wrongdoing. The BBC has contacted Ratner’s representative for comment.
Peter Attia
Anti-aging influencer and CBS News contributor Peter Attia exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein, including crude comments.
He described his friendship with Epstein as something he could share publicly and discussed the 2018 Miami Herald story identifying some of Epstein’s victims.
He also joked with Epstein about female anatomy and sexual acts.
On 2 February, Attia stated on X that he was "not involved in any criminal activity," adding, "I was never on his plane, never on his island, and never present at any sex parties."
Casey Wasserman
Casey Wasserman, chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, sent flirtatious emails to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s jailed associate.
In 2003, Wasserman wrote to Maxwell: "I think of you all the time... So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?"
Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for recruiting and trafficking teenage girls for sexual abuse by Epstein.
Wasserman said in a statement: "I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light."
Sergey Brin
Google co-founder Sergey Brin visited Epstein’s private island and planned to dine at Epstein’s New York City home, according to the documents.
He also corresponded with Ghislaine Maxwell, who wrote in April 2003: "Dinners at Jeffrey's are always happily casual and relaxed" and "Look forward to seeing you."
The BBC has contacted Google for comment. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing in the emails.
Ehud Barak
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is mentioned in the documents, showing multiple correspondences with Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
One exchange includes plans for Barak to stay at Epstein’s New York residence in 2017.
Barak acknowledged his regular interactions with Epstein but stated he never observed or participated in inappropriate behavior or parties.
Noam Chomsky
Renowned linguist Noam Chomsky appears in both releases of Epstein files. The latest documents suggest Chomsky advised Epstein on media coverage of sex trafficking allegations.
In February 2019 emails, Epstein asked Chomsky whether he should "defend myself" or "try to ignore."
A response appearing to be from Chomsky lamented "the horrible way" Epstein was treated and the "hysteria that has developed about abuse of women."
"It's painful to say, but I think the best way to proceed is to ignore it," the email said.
The BBC has contacted Chomsky’s spokesperson for comment. The appearance of his name does not imply wrongdoing.
Brad Karp
Brad Karp, chairman of law firm Paul Weiss, resigned after the latest files revealed dozens of email exchanges with Epstein, including discussions about Epstein’s 2008 plea deal on sex trafficking charges.
In a March 2019 email, Karp wrote: "The draft motion is in great shape." Bloomberg reported this related to Epstein’s efforts to protect his plea deal, which allowed him to avoid federal charges and possible life imprisonment. There is no proof the emails were linked to the plea deal.
Karp’s resignation statement said: "Recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed focus on me that is not in the best interests of the firm." He has not commented further. The BBC has contacted Paul Weiss for comment.
Bill Clinton
In the Department of Justice’s initial release of Epstein documents in December, several images showed former US President Bill Clinton, including photos of him swimming and relaxing in a hot tub with Epstein.
Clinton was photographed with Epstein multiple times during the 1990s and early 2000s, before Epstein’s first arrest.
A spokesman for Clinton, Angel Ureña, stated on social media that the photos were decades old and that the matter was not about Clinton.
"They can release as many grainy 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this isn't about Bill Clinton. Never has, never will be," he said.
"There are two types of people here. The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships with him after. We're in the first," he added.
Clinton said he has provided Congress with all information he knows and called for the full release of Epstein files.
"I have called for the full release of the Epstein files. I have provided a sworn statement of what I know," he said.
"And just this week, I've agreed to appear in person before the committee."
Clinton is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee later this month and has requested the hearing be public.
Deepak Chopra
The files reveal communications between Epstein and self-help author Deepak Chopra years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
In a February 2017 email, Chopra invited Epstein to Israel with an unnamed group.
"Come to Israel with us," Chopra wrote. "Relax and have fun with interesting people. [if] you want use a fake name. Bring your girls. It will be fun to have you. Love"
In a March 2017 exchange, they discussed God and human cells, with Chopra stating:
"Cells are human constructs. No such thing! Universe is human construct No such thing. Cute girls are aware when they make noise."
"God is a construct. Cute girls are real."
Epstein asked Chopra: "Did you find me a cute Israeli?"
Chopra posted a statement online expressing sadness for the victims and denying involvement in any criminal or exploitative conduct.
"Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity. Some past email exchanges have surfaced that reflect poor judgment in tone. I regret that and understand how they read today, given what was publicly known at the time. My focus remains on supporting accountability, prevention, and efforts that protect and support survivors."
The BBC has asked Chopra if he was aware of any wrongdoing in his dealings with Epstein.
