Richard Branson's Email to Jeffrey Epstein: 'Bring Your Harem' and PR Guidance
Newly disclosed documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case have unveiled a 2013 email exchange in which British billionaire Richard Branson told the convicted paedophile to 'bring your harem' during their next meeting. The correspondence, part of three million files released by the US Department of Justice, also shows Branson offering Epstein public relations advice following his conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution.
Warm Exchange and Controversial Remarks
In the email dated September 11, 2013, Branson reminisced about a recent encounter with Epstein, writing, '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 message was sent five years after Epstein pleaded guilty to charges related to soliciting a person under 18 for prostitution, highlighting a seemingly cordial relationship between the two men.
Public Relations Strategy Suggested
Branson proceeded to provide Epstein with detailed public relations thoughts on how to manage the fallout from his conviction. He suggested that if Microsoft founder Bill Gates were willing to vouch for Epstein as a 'brilliant advisor,' it could help mitigate public scrutiny. Branson wrote, '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 17 and a half 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. Anyway something along those lines.'
Virgin Group's Response and Denials
A spokesperson for the Virgin Group has downplayed the relationship, stating that any contact between Richard and Joan Branson with Epstein occurred on only a few occasions over twelve years ago and was limited to group or business settings. The spokesperson explained, '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 of what the due diligence uncovered, Virgin Unite did not take the donation and Richard and Joan decided not to meet or speak with Epstein again.' They added that Branson believes Epstein's actions were abhorrent and supports justice for his victims, and that the term 'harem' referred to three adult members of Epstein's team, which Branson would not have used if he had known the full facts.
Broader Context and Epstein Connections
The email exchange was initiated by Epstein, who thanked Branson for his hospitality and public relations thoughts. Epstein also offered to connect Branson with Thorbjørn Jagland, the former chair of the Nobel Prize Committee. The two men were known to have a relationship, with Epstein displaying a framed photo of Branson among other celebrities in his New York townhouse. Photographs of them posing together in the Caribbean, where they owned nearby islands, were previously released in earlier Epstein files.
It is important to note that appearing in the Epstein files does not indicate any wrongdoing by individuals mentioned. The release also included disturbing photos appearing to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in compromising positions, though the context and timing of these images remain unclear. This latest batch of files continues to shed light on the extensive network associated with Epstein, prompting further scrutiny and discussions about accountability and justice for victims.
