Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice show that Elon Musk had more extensive and friendly communications with the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than previously known. Emails in the files appear to show the two cordially messaging each other on two separate occasions to arrange for Musk to visit Epstein’s private island, Little St James.
In an exchange on 13 December 2013, Musk wrote to Epstein: 'Will be in the BVI/St Bart’s area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit?' Epstein replied: 'any day 1st - 8th . play it by ear if you want. always space for you.' After further correspondence, the pair settled on 2 January for the visit, but Epstein later sent his regrets, saying his schedule would keep him in New York.
In November 2012, Epstein asked Musk how many people he would bring for the helicopter to the island. Musk responded: 'Probably just Talulah and me. What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?' referring to his former wife Talulah Riley. Musk later wrote on 25 December that he wanted to 'hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose', and Epstein replied that the 'ratio' on his island might make Talulah uncomfortable. Musk dismissed this, saying 'Ratio is not a problem for Talulah.' The visit ultimately did not take place due to logistics.
Musk has previously denied having any ties to Epstein, telling Vanity Fair in 2019 that Epstein was 'obviously a creep' and that he had declined invitations to visit the island. The emails contradict those claims. Epstein was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was arrested on federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019, before his death in prison.
Other emails in the documents show Epstein’s assistant making plans for Epstein to have lunch at SpaceX in 2013, though it is unclear if the meeting occurred. There are also exchanges from March 2013 where Epstein congratulated Musk after a SpaceX rocket launch. A representative for Musk did not respond to a request for comment.
The emails are part of a tranche of three million documents released by the justice department on Friday. Musk has faced previous scrutiny over potential connections to Epstein, including a 2014 calendar entry from Epstein’s schedule that noted a reminder for Musk to visit the island, which Musk denied.
