Justice Dept Releases 3 Million Epstein Files Linking Musk, Gates, Hoffman to Island Plans

Updated 2026-02-05 10:46:41+01:00 (2 articles)

Image: Le Monde

Le Monde Source Full size
Image: Le Monde

Elon Musk au club Mar-a-Lago, à Palm Beach (Floride), le 1ᵉʳ février 2026. Montage « LE MONDE ».MARK SCHIEFELBEIN/AP/« LE MONDE » (MARK SCHIEFELBEIN/AP/« LE MONDE ») Source Full size

Massive Document Dump Shows High‑Profile Contacts With Epstein The U.S. Justice Department made public over three million pages of Epstein‑related material on Jan 30, 2026, naming former presidents, tech billionaires and royalty, and prompting renewed scrutiny of their past interactions [1][2]. The release includes unredacted nude photographs of alleged victims, which were briefly posted online before being removed after survivor outrage [2]. Media outlets note the breadth of the network, confirming that Musk, Gates and Hoffman appear among a wider circle of influential figures [1].

Musk’s 2012 Island Email Contradicts Later Denials 2012 exchange shows Epstein asking how many people would need a helicopter to his private island, with Musk replying that only he and his then‑wife Talulah Riley would attend and asking which night would host the “wildest party” [2]. Musk later denied ever attending an Epstein‑hosted event, insisting he repeatedly declined invitations, citing a chronology of declined offers from September 2012 through January 2013 [1]. The documents also record Musk’s cancelled Jan 4 2013 lunch on Saint‑Barthélemy due to illness [1].

Gates and Hoffman Acknowledge Past Interactions, Issue Regrets The files confirm that Bill Gates and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman communicated with Epstein; both have issued public statements expressing regret over those contacts [1]. Draft emails from 2013 reveal Gates’ frustration with Epstein, which Gates’ spokesperson dismissed as “absurd” and “false,” claiming the messages were part of Epstein’s defamation attempts [2]. Hoffman’s involvement is noted without a detailed personal response, but the documents place him within the same billionaire‑Epstein network [1].

Musk Blames Trump for Suppressing Files, While Survivors Decry Mishandling In a June 5 2025 X post that was later deleted, Musk alleged that President Donald Trump blocked the release of the Epstein files because Trump appears in them, suggesting powerful interests want the list hidden [1]. The same release sparked survivor anger after the DOJ briefly posted nude images of victims online, a misstep highlighted by The New York Times and condemned by advocacy groups [2]. No legal allegations have been made against Trump or Musk regarding the document suppression, but the episode adds political tension to the ongoing fallout [1][2].

Sources

Timeline

Sep 2012 – Epstein sends Elon Musk his first invitation to visit the private island, initiating a series of communications that later surface in Justice Department files [2].

Nov 24, 2012 – Epstein asks Musk how many people would need a helicopter to reach the island, probing logistical details for a potential trip [2].

Dec 24, 2012 – Musk replies that only he and his wife Talulah Riley would attend and asks, “which night would host the ‘wildest party’?” indicating interest in a high‑profile gathering [1][2].

Dec 25, 2012 – Musk declines the invitation, stating he will not travel to Epstein’s island that night [2].

Dec 2012 – Commerce Secretary Pete Lutnick texts directions for a boat to Epstein’s Caribbean island, planning a dinner on the property [1].

Jan 4, 2013 – Musk cancels a scheduled lunch on Saint‑Barthélemy, citing illness, ending his brief contact with Epstein’s circle [2].

2013 – Draft emails from Epstein’s account show Bill Gates expressing frustration, and a Gates spokesperson later calls the documents “absurd” and “false,” asserting they reflect Epstein’s attempt to defame Gates [1].

2013 – Richard Branson emails Epstein, saying he can meet “as long as you bring your harem,” a phrase later clarified by Virgin as referring to three adult women on Epstein’s team [1].

2015 – Lutnick attempts to bring Epstein to a Hillary Clinton fundraiser, expanding the former secretary’s limited interactions with the financier [1].

June 5, 2025 – Musk posts on X, “President Donald Trump blocked the release of Epstein files because he appears in them,” then deletes the message, alleging political suppression of the documents [2].

Jan 30, 2026 – The Justice Department releases three million pages of Epstein‑related documents that detail Musk’s planned island trip with Talulah Riley, confirming the earlier communications but noting the trip never occurs [2].

Feb 3, 2026 – The DOJ makes millions of additional files public, naming former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Prince Andrew and others, reigniting scrutiny of their past contacts with Epstein [1].

Feb 3, 2026 – Victims outraged after the DOJ briefly posts unredacted nude photos of alleged survivors online before removing them, highlighting mishandling of sensitive material [1].

Feb 5, 2026 – Gates and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman issue public statements expressing regret over their past interactions with Epstein, while Musk maintains he never attended any Epstein‑hosted parties [2].

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