The shock blast from last week’s epic Epstein file drop has radiated out widely, triggering nauseated panic and fueling longstanding grievances among and against a new set of participants in a far-reaching and exceedingly sticky web.
The Department of Justice released the largest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files to date, a giant tranche including three million more pages of documents and thousands of videos and images. The documents shed the light on disgraced financier’s relationships with several prominent figures, including Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
They also contain a significant number of uncorroborated tips to law enforcement. The department released three million pages, 2,000 videos and some 180,000 images. The pages consist of email chains, text messages, news articles, internal investigative reports and other material tied to Mr. Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in 2019.
Bill Gates Connections
Emails from 2013 show Epstein drafting notes about Bill Gates, suggesting Gates engaged in extramarital sex. One email claims Epstein helped Gates acquire drugs to handle consequences of sex with Russian girls and facilitated rendezvous with married women. A Gates representative described the accusations as “absolutely absurd and completely false.” It remains unclear if Epstein sent these emails to Gates.
Howard Lutnick’s Island Plans
Documents reveal Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick planned a 2012 visit to Epstein’s island, despite his prior statement of severing ties around 2005. An email from Lutnick’s wife, Allison, to Epstein’s assistant on the eve of the visit states, “We are looking forward to visiting you” and “We would love to join you for lunch.” Lutnick told The New York Times he could not comment without reviewing the documents.
Richard Branson and Elon Musk Exchanges
A 2013 email exchange between Richard Branson and Epstein indicates a familiar relationship centered partly on interest in women. Separate messages between Elon Musk and Epstein from 2012 to 2014 compare schedules for meetings in Florida or the Caribbean. One November 2012 email from Musk asks, “What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” A December 2012 email from Musk states, “I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose,” rejecting a “peaceful island experience.” Musk posted on X in January that the emails might smear his name but emphasized prosecuting those who committed crimes with Epstein. Musk has stated he never visited Epstein’s island.
Donald Trump Mentions
The files include at least 4,500 documents mentioning Donald Trump. One is a Federal Bureau of Investigation summary from last summer of over a dozen public tips involving Trump and Epstein, including unverified sexual abuse accusations.
No corroborating evidence appears in the emails. Many other documents are news articles or emails referencing Trump. Trump has denied wrongdoing related to Epstein. The White House referred to a Justice Department statement noting false claims against Trump submitted to the FBI before the 2020 election.
Prince Andrew Photographs
Photographs in the files show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling on all fours over a fully clothed, unidentified female on the ground. In two images, he touches her stomach; another shows him staring at the camera. No context, date, or location is provided. BBC News approached Mountbatten-Windsor for comment; he has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Sarah Ferguson Emails
Sarah Ferguson, ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, appears in multiple emails, including during Epstein’s house arrest. One email from an account believed to be Epstein’s states, “I think Fergie can now say, I am not a pedo.” A 2009 exchange includes a request for a “quick cup of tea” with lines: “My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey. You are a legend, and I am so proud of you.” The emails show no indication of wrongdoing. BBC contacted Ferguson for response.
Lord Mandelson Payments and Emails
Bank statements suggest Epstein made $75,000 payments to accounts connected to Lord Mandelson and his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva. A 2009 email from da Silva requests “anything you can help me with”; Epstein replies, “I will wire your loan amount immediately.” Another exchange shows Epstein arranging New York accommodations for Mandelson. The Metropolitan Police launched a criminal investigation into Mandelson for allegedly passing market-sensitive information to Epstein.
Mandelson announced he will step down from the House of Lords, expressed regret for knowing Epstein post-conviction, and denied culpability or complicity in crimes. He maintains no criminal action or personal gain occurred and sought Epstein’s expertise during the 2008 financial crisis for national interest.
Steve Bannon Messages
Thousands of 2018-2019 messages appear between Epstein and Steve Bannon, after Bannon left the Trump White House while making a film about Epstein. One exchange shows Bannon suggesting to “push back on the lies” and “rebuild your image as philanthropist.” Bannon, not accused of wrongdoing, did not respond to BBC comment requests.
Miroslav Lajcak Text Exchange
An October 2018 text between Slovakia’s then-foreign minister Miroslav Lajčák and Epstein discusses girls and diplomacy. After Epstein sends an image, Lajčák replies, “Why don’t you invite me for these games? I would take the ‘MI’ girl.” Epstein responds, “You can have them both, I am not possessive. And their sisters.” Lajčák resigned as national security advisor following the release; he faces no wrongdoing accusations.
Larry Summers References
Documents reference meetings and dinners between Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary under Bill Clinton and Harvard president, and Epstein. 2017 emails show them joking about Trump, with Epstein calling him “dumb.” Summers previously took responsibility for continuing communication with Epstein and resigned from posts including OpenAI’s advisory board.
Steve Tisch Inquiries:
New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch inquired via email about a woman met at Epstein’s house, asking if she was a professional or “civilian.” Epstein described another woman as “Tahitian, speaks mostly French, exotic” and mentioned a “present.” Tisch stated he had a brief association with Epstein, declined invitations, and never visited the island.
Brett Ratner Photo
A photo shows director Brett Ratner, known for Rush Hour films and X-Men: The Last Stand, embracing a young woman beside Epstein and two obscured women on a sofa. No wrongdoing is indicated. BBC contacted Ratner’s representative.
Peter Attia Emails
Anti-aging influencer Peter Attia exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein, including crass comments on female anatomy and sex acts, discussions of a 2018 Miami Herald story on victims, and notes that their friendship could be public. Attia stated on X he rejected involvement in criminal activity, never visited Epstein’s plane, island, or sex parties.
Casey Wasserman Messages to Maxwell
Los Angeles 2028 Olympics chairman Casey Wasserman sent 2003 flirty emails to Ghislaine Maxwell: “I think of you all the time… So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Maxwell serves 20 years for recruiting and trafficking girls to Epstein. Wasserman regretted the correspondence from over two decades ago, before her crimes surfaced.
Sergey Brin Visits and Correspondence
Google co-founder Sergey Brin visited Epstein’s island and planned New York dinners. Ghislaine Maxwell emailed Brin in 2003: “Dinners at Jeffrey’s are always happily casual and relaxed… Look forward to seeing you.” No wrongdoing is suggested. BBC reached out to Google.
Ehud Barak Interactions
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak corresponded with Epstein post-2008 conviction and planned a 2017 stay at his New York residence. Audio recordings capture Barak telling Epstein about Israel’s need for one million Russian-speaking immigrants to dilute Palestinian demographics, allowing “selective” control of “quality.” Barak acknowledged interactions but denied observing or participating in inappropriate behavior. Netanyahu stated Epstein “did not work for Israel.”
Noam Chomsky Advice
Linguist Noam Chomsky appears in emails where Epstein asks whether to “defend myself” or “ignore” sex trafficking allegations. A response attributed to Chomsky calls the treatment “horrible” and suggests ignoring amid “hysteria about abuse of women.” No wrongdoing implied. BBC contacted Chomsky’s spokesperson.
Brad Karp Resignation
Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp resigned after emails showed discussions, including a 2019 note: “The draft motion is in great shape,” possibly linked to Epstein’s 2008 plea deal. Karp’s statement cited reporting as a distraction; the firm did not mention files. BBC contacted Paul Weiss.
Bill Clinton Images and Statements
Prior December release included images of Bill Clinton swimming and in a hot tub, plus 1990s-2000s photos with Epstein. Spokesman Angel Ureña called them old and irrelevant, placing Clinton in the group that cut ties pre-crimes. Clinton posted he provided sworn statements, called for full file release, and will testify publicly before the House Oversight Committee this month.
Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before the panel. Their decision comes just days before the House plans to vote on whether to hold them in contempt for refusing to participate in closed-door depositions related to Epstein’s alleged crimes.
Deepak Chopra Communications
Post-2008 conviction emails show Deepak Chopra inviting Epstein to Israel: “Come to Israel with us… Bring your girls.” Discussions cover God, cells, and “cute girls,” with Chopra stating, “God is a construct. Cute girls are real.” Epstein asks for a “cute Israeli.” Chopra stated regret for tone, denied criminal involvement, and focused on victim support. BBC inquired about his awareness of wrongdoing.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem Texts
Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem messaged Epstein in 2013: “The Ukrainian and the Moldavian arrived. Big disappointment the Moldavian is not as attractive as the picture.” Epstein suggests “Photo shop”; Bin Sulayem notes she was “too short and skinny.”
Fabricated Images Involving Mira Nair and Zohran Mamdani
AI-generated images falsely claimed to show New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, his mother filmmaker Mira Nair, Epstein, Maxwell, Clinton, Gates, and Bezos. Posts in multiple languages spread after the January 2026 release. AFP analysis confirmed AI origin from a parody account, labeled “Made with Google AI.” Nair appears in authentic documents: a 2009 email noting her at a Clinton-Bezos party and a 2010 cinema event invitation. No authentic images match the fakes.
One document diagrams Epstein’s circle, including Ghislaine Maxwell, lawyer Darren Indyke, and accountant Richard Kahn.
