Accusations, denials & more: Here are some powerful names mentioned in the newly released Epstein files
A new batch of documents linked to the investigation into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been released by the US Justice Department, containing references to several powerful and high-profile figures.
The files include emails, allegations submitted to federal authorities and records of Epstein’s contacts with prominent business leaders and political figures. None of the individuals named in the documents has been charged with wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Here are some of the key names mentioned and their alleged connection:
Donald Trump
The documents include an FBI-compiled list of sexual assault allegations related to President Donald Trump. Many of the tips came from anonymous callers or unverified sources and were submitted to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Centre. The Justice Department said the claims were made shortly before the 2020 election and described them as “unfounded and false.” "To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false, and if they have a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponised against President Trump already," the Justice Department emphasised.
Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing involving Epstein.
Bill Gates
In a draft email included in the files, Epstein alleged that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had engaged in extramarital affairs.
Epstein wrote that his relationship with Gates involved helping him with personal matters, including what Epstein described as “illicit trysts.” Gates has not been accused of any criminal misconduct in the documents.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Gates told the BBC, "These claims, from a proven, disgruntled liar, are absolutely absurd and completely false," adding, “the only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame."
Richard Branson
Emails in the release show friendly exchanges between Epstein and British billionaire Richard Branson. In one 2013 message, Branson joked about seeing Epstein and referred to “your harem,” suggesting a casual relationship between the two men.
Branson, the billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, has since distanced himself from the allegations and labelled them as abhorrent. A spokesperson for the Virgin Group downplayed the 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,” a spokesperson of the group told The Independent.
Elon Musk
The documents contain multiple email exchanges between Epstein and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
In one message from 2012, Epstein asked Musk about travel plans to an island, and Musk responded with a reference to attending a “wildest party.” No accusations of wrongdoing are made against Musk in the files. Musk said in an X post on Saturday "well aware that some email correspondence with [Epstein] could be misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name. I don't care about that, but what I do care about is that we at least attempt to prosecute those who committed serious crimes with Epstein, especially regarding heinous exploitation of underage girls."
Prince Andrew
An email exchange shows Epstein arranging a visit with Britain’s Prince Andrew, inviting him to dinner at Buckingham Palace in 2010 and discussing the need for “privacy.” Prince Andrew has faced long-standing scrutiny over his association with Epstein.
Howard Lutnick
The documents show that Epstein and businessman Howard Lutnick, now US commerce secretary, made plans to meet for lunch on Epstein’s Caribbean island in 2012, according to email exchanges involving Lutnick’s wife.
Jay-Z
The newly released documents also mention rap superstar Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter.
His name appears in a complaint submitted to an FBI hotline in 2019. The report links multiple individuals and alleges an incident dating back to 1996.
According to the complaint, the victim believed she was drugged before allegedly waking up in the presence of film producer Harvey Weinstein and Jay-Z. The document claims Weinstein assaulted her, though the allegations have not been verified and no charges are linked to Jay-Z in the files.
The Justice Department cautioned that some materials include unverified or sensational claims and warned against drawing unsupported conclusions.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
