Elon Musk's Extensive Communications with Jeffrey Epstein Uncovered in New Documents
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had more extensive and amicable ties to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than previously disclosed, according to newly released documents from the US Department of Justice. The files, made public on Friday, include email exchanges from 2013 that reveal cordial planning for Musk to visit Epstein's private island, Little St James.
Email Exchanges Detail Planned Visit to Epstein's Island
The documents feature emails between Musk and Epstein in December 2013, where they discussed scheduling a 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 responded, "any day 1st - 8th . play it by ear if you want. always space for you." After several messages coordinating schedules, they settled on 2 January as the proposed date for the visit. However, the exchange concluded with Epstein expressing regret that he could not meet due to being stuck in New York, stating, "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 Past Denials
These emails appear to contradict Musk's longstanding denials of any personal connection to Epstein. In 2019, Musk told Vanity Fair that Epstein was "obviously a creep" and claimed he had declined invitations to the island. The newly released communications suggest a more friendly relationship, with the pair making plans years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor in Florida. Epstein was later arrested in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges and found dead in his prison cell that same year.
Additional Interactions and Speculation
Further documents reveal other interactions between Musk and Epstein's circle. An email from Epstein's assistant, Lesley Groff, in 2013 indicated plans for Epstein to have lunch at SpaceX, though it is unclear if this event occurred. Another series of emails from March 2013 shows Epstein congratulating Musk after a SpaceX rocket launch, with Musk responding in a friendly manner.
Musk has faced ongoing pressure to address his potential connections to Epstein, including after earlier document releases mentioned his name. In 2023, House Democrats released a copy of Epstein's daily schedule with a 2014 entry noting, "Reminder: Elon Musk to island Dec. 6 (is this still happening?)" Musk denied this on X, calling it false. He has also denied knowing Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, claiming a photo of them together was a photobomb, and stated he visited Epstein's Manhattan apartment briefly with his ex-wife for research purposes.
Musk's Use of Epstein's Name in Public Feuds
Despite denying personal ties, Musk has invoked Epstein's name to criticise others. During a public dispute with Donald Trump last year, Musk alleged Trump's name was in the Epstein files, though he later deleted these posts. In May, he insulted Bill Gates over the Microsoft founder's relationship with Epstein, questioning Gates's credibility on humanitarian issues.
The newly released emails are part of a tranche of over 3 million documents made public by the justice department, shedding light on Epstein's connections to powerful figures worldwide. A representative for Musk and his AI company, xAI, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these revelations.
