A photograph released in the Jeffrey Epstein files shows Professor Stephen Hawking grinning broadly while seated between two women wearing bikinis. The image captures the celebrated theoretical physicist holding what appears to be a fruity cocktail alongside the women, all basking in sunshine.
Context of the Controversial Image
While the exact date and location remain unclear, evidence suggests the photo was likely taken on Epstein's private Little Saint James Island in the US Virgin Islands. Hawking attended a scientific conference hosted by Epstein there and on nearby St Thomas in March 2006.
Allegations and Denials Surrounding the Visit
Hawking faced serious allegations from late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who claimed in emails that the physicist participated in an underage orgy on the island. Epstein vehemently denied these accusations. Court documents from two years ago indicate he instructed his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to offer money to Giuffre's friends if they could disprove the claims against Hawking.
The Cambridge professor, who passed away in March 2018 at age 76 after living with motor neuron disease for over five decades, appears at least 250 times in the Epstein files according to a Department of Justice search. His presence in the documents does not imply any wrongdoing.
Details of the 2006 Island Conference
The gathering, titled 'The Energy of Empty Space That Isn't Zero,' was funded by Epstein through his Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation. Guests stayed at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel on St Thomas, costing $1,600 per night, and visited Epstein's private island retreat.
Epstein's Scientific Ambitions and Relationships
Jeffrey Epstein positioned himself as a 'science philanthropist,' donating up to $20 million annually to scientific causes and surrounding himself with prominent researchers. He hosted 21 internationally renowned scientists at the 2006 conference, though many later distanced themselves after his arrest.
During Hawking's visit, previously released photos from 2015 show him attending a barbecue in his wheelchair. Epstein even modified a submarine specially for Hawking, who had never been underwater before, to give him a tour of the sea bed around the island.
Additional Unsubstantiated Claims and FBI Tips
Recently released DOJ files contain an unverified tip alleging Epstein visited an 'all male gay club' with Hawking in 2011. The tipster described the venue as a 'bath house' and claimed to have recognized both men from news reports years later.
The report noted the caller 'was near tears' while stating 'it wasn't just girls that were affected by Epstein.' This allegation remains unsubstantiated like the earlier orgy claims.
The Broader Epstein Files Release
Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Department of Justice has released over 3.5 million documents related to the convicted pedophile financier. Officials have identified more than 6 million documents total but will not release the complete collection.
Epstein, who was found dead in his jail cell in August 2019, had been charged with soliciting prostitution just five months after hosting Hawking in 2006. The Daily Mail has reached out to Hawking's estate for comment regarding these latest revelations from the files.
