A massive release of files from the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday revealed new details about the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s connections with prominent global figures, including Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson. The release included three million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos, marking the largest public disclosure since a law, signed by President Donald Trump, mandated the publication of all Epstein-related documents.
The files contain emails, photos, and records dating back more than a decade. The documents detail Epstein's time in prison, his death in 2019, and investigations into his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.
Several high-profile individuals are named throughout the documents. Elon Musk is featured in emails from 2012 and 2013 discussing possible trips to Epstein’s private island, although there is no evidence the visits took place. Musk has maintained that he refused Epstein’s invitations and said in a statement, "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."
Bill Gates is mentioned in emails drafted by Epstein alleging personal accusations, including the claim that Gates had contracted a sexually transmitted disease. A spokesperson for Gates strongly denied these allegations, calling them "absolutely absurd and completely false," and emphasized that Epstein was frustrated by Gates ending their relationship. There is no evidence Gates did anything improper, and he is not accused of a crime.