Sir Richard Branson's Emails to Jeffrey Epstein Reveal 'Harem' Invitation and Image Advice
Sir Richard Branson told convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to 'bring his harem' during a 2013 email exchange, according to documents released by the US Department of Justice. The correspondence, part of three million Epstein File documents made public on Friday, reveals the Virgin tycoon's interactions with the disgraced financier following a visit to Branson's private Necker Island.
Island Visit and Controversial Invitation
In an email dated September 11, 2013, Sir Richard wrote to Epstein: 'Dear Jeffrey, it was really nice seeing you yesterday. The boys in watersports can't stop speaking about it! Any time you're in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!' This invitation followed a trip where Epstein visited with three male business associates and 'two Russian girls', according to earlier correspondence from Epstein's office arranging the visit.
Image Rehabilitation Suggestions
The email exchange shows Branson offering Epstein advice about how to rehabilitate his public image after his 2008 guilty plea for producing a minor for prostitution. Sir Richard suggested that if Microsoft founder Bill Gates would vouch for him, it could significantly help Epstein's rehabilitation efforts.
Branson wrote to Epstein: 'I think if Bill Gates was willing to say that you've been a brilliant advisor to him, that you slipped up many years ago by sleeping with a 17½-year-old woman and were punished for it, that you've more than learnt your lesson and have done nothing that's against the law since and, yes, as a single man you seem to have a penchant for women. But there's nothing wrong with that.'
High-Profile Connections and Denials
The documents reveal multiple high-profile figures connected to Epstein, including Elon Musk, who emailed Epstein in November 2012 asking: 'What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?' Musk, who said he would bring his then-wife Talulah Riley, has consistently denied ever visiting Epstein's Caribbean island.
Labour grandee Peter Mandelson also features in the newly released files, which reveal Epstein paid £10,000 to put Mandelson's Brazilian husband through osteopathy school in 2009. Mandelson apologised last night, stating: 'I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards.'
Branson's Response and Position
Sir Richard Branson has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and released a statement saying he and his late wife Joan cut off all contact with Epstein after learning of his 'abhorrent' crimes. A spokesman for Branson explained: 'Any contact Richard and Joan Branson had with Epstein took place on only a few occasions more than 12 years ago and was limited to group or business settings.'
The spokesman added: 'When Epstein offered a charity donation, the Bransons asked their team to carry out due diligence before accepting the donation which uncovered serious allegations. As a result, Virgin Unite did not take the donation and Richard and Joan decided not to meet or speak with Epstein again.'
Document Release Controversy
The newly released Epstein files include more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, with extensive redactions to protect victims' identities. However, some victims' representatives have expressed anger that names were not fully concealed. Brad Edwards, who represented dozens of Epstein's victims, criticised the Justice Department for 'violating the trust, privacy and the rights of more victims than ever before.'
Bill Gates' spokesman has called claims in the documents 'absolutely absurd and completely false,' while Elon Musk posted on social media platform X that he 'had very little correspondence with Epstein and declined repeated invitations to go to his island.'
