Virologist Apologizes for 'Horny Virus' Emails with Jeffrey Epstein
American virologist and former Stanford visiting professor Nathan Wolfe has issued a public apology following the release of email correspondence between him and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, which discuss a so-called 'horny virus' hypothesis, were among three million pages of documents unsealed by the Department of Justice last week.
Wolfe acknowledged his 'overfamiliarity and poor judgment' in the messages, which spanned at least eight different threads. In a statement to The Stanford Daily, the student-run newspaper at the prestigious California institution, he denied any wrongdoing but expressed regret for his association with Epstein.
Details of the Controversial Correspondence
In one email dated May 22, 2013, Wolfe wrote to Epstein: 'Hope you're having fun wherever you are! Here's a new shot on our horny virus hypothesis - I think it hits the sweet spot of what we've been thinking about (so to speak).' This message summarized a study Wolfe was working on with an unnamed colleague at the University of Michigan, aiming to recruit 700 university students to monitor their sexual activity over a two-year period.
Other released documents reveal that Wolfe and Epstein were focused on identifying sexually transmitted infections that could increase women's sex drives. In July 2010, Wolfe even discussed developing a 'female Viagra' with Epstein, highlighting their shared interest in this controversial research area.
Wolfe's Defense and Continued Contact
Wolfe claims the research was 'developed before meeting Epstein' and was 'adjacent to published work' on similar topics. He insists, 'I never witnessed or participated in any misconduct or inappropriate behavior,' and notes that the 'horny virus' project was never pursued, with no funding ever received from Epstein.
Despite this, emails show Wolfe maintained contact with Epstein as recently as November 2017, often appearing eager to meet. In a December 2, 2010 message, he invited Epstein to a dinner in New York City, mentioning 'a couple of hottie interns from WEF' among the guests. Epstein had previously expressed a desire to 'catch up' with Wolfe.
Context of Epstein's Legal Troubles
At the time of these exchanges, Epstein was a convicted sex offender, having pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting sex from minors. He was released from a lenient house arrest in August 2010 and was battling to lower his sex offender classification. In March 2011, Wolfe sent an email telling Epstein to 'make sure never to let the bastards get you down,' though it's unclear what specific incident he referred to.
Wolfe admitted to meeting Epstein at his homes in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, to discuss research. He now states, 'I deeply regret having had any association with someone responsible for such widespread abuse and suffering.' It remains unclear if Wolfe is still affiliated with Stanford University, as both he and the institution have been approached for comment.
