The Famous Names in the Latest Release of Epstein Files

The Justice Department released what it says is its final trove of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein , including emails between Epstein and Elon Musk and Bill Gates as well as new photos with some famous associates. We will continue to update this article as we sift through the files.

Mark Zuckerberg

The documents—and a photo—show that the Facebook co-founder joined a group of Silicon Valley billionaires in 2015 at a dinner that Epstein attended. Reid Hoffman arranged the private dinner at Baumé restaurant in Palo Alto, Calif., and invited Epstein, along with Peter Thiel and Elon Musk , emails show.

A few days after the gathering, one of Epstein’s assistants sent her boss’s contact details to Zuckerberg’s assistant: “At the party Mark requested Jeffrey send his contact details to him…could you please pass the below on to Mark?” Other messages show Epstein name-dropping how he had spent time with Zuckerberg.

A Meta Platforms spokesman referred to a statement from 2019: “Mark met Epstein in passing one time at a dinner honoring scientists that was not organized by Epstein. Mark did not communicate with Epstein again following the dinner.”

Reid Hoffman

The newly released documents show the billionaire, who visited Epstein’s island in 2014,  gifted Epstein a statue  that he wrote “may strike your funny bone for the island.” He also offered to help Epstein with bad publicity after allegations of sex trafficking surfaced in late 2014.

The venture capitalist and LinkedIn co-founder said Feb. 3 on X that he knew Epstein “because of a fundraising relationship with MIT, which I very much regret.” He acknowledged that he had meetings with Epstein from 2016 to 2018, after previously saying they last met in 2015. He didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Noam Chomsky

In a February 2019  email exchange , the political activist and professor responded to Epstein’s request for advice on how to handle his “putrid press.” Chomsky counseled him to stay silent: “That’s particularly true now with the hysteria that has developed about abuse of women, which has reached the point that even questioning a charge is a crime worse than murder.”

In a statement, Chomsky’s wife Valéria Chomsky said that her husband, now 97, had suffered a severe stroke. She said the couple had been duped for years by Epstein and they were unaware of his criminal activities. “Epstein took advantage of Noam’s public criticism towards what came to be known as ‘cancelling culture’ to present himself as a victim of it,” she wrote.

“We were careless in not thoroughly researching his background,” she wrote. “This was a grave mistake, and for that lapse in judgment, I apologize on behalf of both of us.”

Princess Mette-Marit

The files shows Norway’s crown princess referred to Epstein as “sweetheart” and “very charming” in emails sent in 2012. In one email that year, she asked him whether it was appropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for the wallpaper of a 15-year-old son.

Mette-Marit has apologized for “poor judgment” over her contact with Epstein but said he is solely responsible for his actions. The Royal Palace declined to comment further.

Terje Rød-Larsen

The Norwegian diplomat was a close associate of Epstein for years. He described himself as Epstein’s “best friend,” the documents show, and  opened many doors  for him.

Rød‑Larsen resigned in 2020 from the International Peace Institute after he acknowledged he had received a $130,000 personal loan from Epstein in 2013.

A lawyer for Rød‑Larsen said he is seriously ill and unable to answer questions. “So far as we are aware, Terje Rød‑Larsen is neither under investigation nor suspected of any criminal offense,” his attorney said. He noted that Rød‑Larsen has previously expressed regret for his association with Epstein and “deep sympathy” for those affected.

Steve Bannon

Epstein’s relationship with Steve Bannon was already known, but the new documents shed further light on how much the two men corresponded in 2018 and 2019. Messages show that Bannon offered Epstein media tips, coaching him as he faced increasing media scrutiny in early 2019. In one exchange, Bannon wrote, “…we need to push back on the lies; then crush the pedo/trafficking narrative; then rebuild your image as a philanthropist.”

The numerous messages show a familiar tone, with the men making off-color remarks as they discuss international geopolitics and other matters. In one exchange, Bannon wrote that “… time in hell would be the fishbowl White House and married to Hillary,” with Epstein responding with a crude remark.

Bannon didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mohammed bin Salman

Epstein kept mementos of the famous and powerful people he met, including photos with world leaders that he framed and displayed in his homes. Among the images released on Jan. 30 are a pair of undated photographs taken with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman . It is unclear where the photos of the two men sharing smiles were taken or what association Epstein had with the Saudi leader. A spokesman for the Saudi embassy in Washington had no immediate comment.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem

The new documents show that Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem , chief executive of ports operator DP World, communicated with Epstein for years and visited his private island, Little St. James. In one 2017 email exchange between the two men, they discussed arranging for a woman described as “the personal masseuse at the private Spa of our friend Jeffery Epstien (sic)” to work at a hotel in Turkey. Epstein later followed up writing “i suggest I send my other assistant along.”

In 2016, Epstein bought a second private island in the Caribbean using the Dubai businessman to disguise his identity because the owner of the island didn’t want to sell to Epstein, according to previously released documents and people familiar with the matter. In 2019, a spokesman told the Journal that Bin Sulayem wasn’t aware that his name was being used for the transaction and that he was considering legal options against media outlets for associating Bin Sulayem with the sex offender.

A spokesman for Bin Sulayem didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Richard Branson

The billionaire businessman, best known for co-founding Virgin Group, appeared in multiple documents produced on Jan. 30, including email threads with Epstein and his assistant, and an undated image of Branson with Epstein on a tropical island.

In a 2013 email exchange, Epstein emailed Branson thanking him for his hospitality. Branson replied, “Any time you’re in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!”

A Virgin Group spokeswoman said that Branson sent the 2013 email after hosting Epstein as part of a business meeting on Branson’s private island and that Epstein arrived with three adult women, whom Epstein referred to as his “harem.” She said that had Branson been aware of Epstein’s criminal activities he would have not used the term or been in contact with him.

Any contact Branson had with Epstein took place more than a dozen years ago and “was limited to group or business settings,” she said in a statement. Branson cut ties after Epstein offered to make a charity donation and due diligence uncovered serious allegations, she said, adding that the donation was not accepted. “Richard believes that Epstein’s actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims.”

Børge Brende

The latest files reveal that Børge Brende , president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum, met with Epstein at his New York townhouse in 2018 and 2019. In a statement, the forum said it plans to initiate an independent review of three business dinners Brende had with Epstein as well as subsequent emails and texts.

In a statement, Brende said he was first invited by former Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen to a 2018 dinner at Epstein’s house, and he attended two other dinners the following year, both with multiple guests. “I was completely unaware of Epstein’s past and criminal activities,” said Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister. He added that he regretted not looking into Epstein’s history.

Sergey Brin

The Google co-founder appears in an undated photograph on a visit to a tropical destination with women’s faces redacted. Another document shows that one of Epstein’s accusers told the Epstein Victims Claims Administrator that she met Brin and his then-wife when they spent a day on Epstein’s island in January 2007 with Jean-Luc Brunel, a modeling agent.

Epstein in 2007 was advising Brin on setting up a tax-saving trust for his children, according to previously released documents. Representatives for Brin, who hasn’t publicly addressed his association with Epstein, didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Bill Gates

In 2013 emails that Epstein sent to himself, Epstein referenced a “marital dispute” between Bill and Melinda Gates . It couldn’t be learned whether the emails were ever sent to anyone, or whether Epstein was writing them for himself or for someone else.

A spokeswoman for Bill Gates called the claims in the emails “absolutely absurd and completely false. The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.” A spokeswoman for Melinda French Gates didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Brad Karp

Brad Karp , chair of law firm Paul Weiss, asked Epstein to help his son get a job on a coming Woody Allen film, according to an exchange from June 2016. “He would love to work, in any capacity, with Woody on his upcoming film project, if that’s a possibility. He certainly doesn’t need to be paid and he’s a really good, talented kid,” Karp wrote.

Karp has previously appeared in the Epstein files because he represented Leon Black, a longtime client of Paul Weiss. The latest batch shows that Karp and his family attended screenings of Allen films through Epstein, and he had been a guest at the financier’s home.

A Paul Weiss spokesman said, “Mr. Karp never witnessed or participated in any misconduct. Mr. Karp attended two group dinners in New York City and had a small number of social interactions by email, all of which he regrets.”

Howard Lutnick

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick corresponded with Epstein and planned to visit his island in 2012, the released documents show, indicating that the former Cantor Fitzgerald chief executive and longtime Trump associate kept in touch with Epstein for longer than he previously said. It couldn’t be determined whether the visit actually took place.

Lutnick previously said that in 2005 he and his wife were invited to Epstein’s house , which was next door to theirs, for coffee. He said that he didn’t associate with Epstein after that visit. A spokesperson for the Commerce Department said Lutnick had limited interactions with Epstein and has never been accused of wrongdoing.

Peter Mandelson

Though the British politician’s ties to Epstein had already surfaced and even  cost Mandelson his ambassadorship , the documents released on Jan. 30 further underscored the extent of the two men’s long relationship.

The files appeared to show that Mandelson  leaked confidential correspondence  to Epstein and that Epstein wired $75,000 to his friend. Mandelson also appears in multiple undated photos, including dozens of him on a boat with Epstein.

Mandelson has said he regretted his association with Epstein. On Feb. 1, he said that he had no recollection or record of receiving the funds and that he wanted to repeat “my apology to the women and girls whose voices should have been heard long before now.”

George Mitchell

Documents released on Jan. 30 showed that former U.S. senator and diplomat George Mitchell continued to associate with Epstein after his 2008 conviction. There are exchanges setting up meetings and a 2011 email in which Epstein wrote that “George Mitchell is my very close friend and chairman of piper,” referring to the law firm DLA Piper.

Mitchell traveled on Epstein’s plane and submitted a birthday letter for his 2003 book, previously released documents showed. He had denied associating with Epstein after his 2008 jail sentence.

“At no time did Senator Mitchell observe, suspect, or have any knowledge of Epstein engaging in illegal or inappropriate conduct with underage women,” a spokesman said. After Epstein’s conviction, members of Epstein’s staff extended invitations that Mitchell declined or deflected, the spokesman said. “Senator Mitchell profoundly regrets ever having known Jeffrey Epstein and condemns, without reservation, the horrific harm Epstein inflicted on so many women.”

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor

The former Prince Andrew and known Epstein associate surfaces in several documents released on Jan. 30. He was photographed with a woman who is lying on the ground in three undated photos. In a 2010 email exchange, the former royal invited Epstein to have dinner at Buckingham Palace and “come with whomever.” It is unclear if such a visit occurred.

Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who died in 2025, accused the former royal of sexual abuse. He has denied allegations of abuse, and settled Giuffre’s lawsuit in 2022 for an undisclosed amount. Mountbatten Windsor didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Elon Musk

The trove released on Jan. 30 contained numerous references to Musk, including some private correspondence between Musk and Epstein. One email exchange, which runs from mid-December 2013 to early 2014, shows the two men coordinating a possible holiday visit to Epstein’s compound in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In a post on X, Musk said, “I have never been to any Epstein parties ever and have many times call (sic) for the prosecution of those who have committed crimes with Epstein. The acid test for justice is not the release of the files, but rather the prosecution of those who committed heinous crimes with Epstein.”

There are also references to other planned get-togethers between 2012 and 2014, including island visits, meals and meetings at SpaceX—though it couldn’t be learned whether they actually happened.

In another email exchange from earlier in 2013, shortly after the successful launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Epstein congratulates Musk and later asks if he has tried the wakefulness medication Nuvigil.

Nathan Myhrvold

The billionaire and former Microsoft executive had a known association with Epstein, including submitting a bawdy letter for Epstein’s 2003 birthday book that included photographs of animals mating. The latest DOJ files show that Myhrvold also exchanged a bawdy joke with Epstein a decade later.

In a 2013 exchange, Epstein wrote: “thanks for the books. pistachio icecream didn’t make it.”

Myhrvold responded: “….p—y doesn’t FedEx well either! Some things you have to be there.”

Myhrvold previously told The Wall Street Journal that he only knew Epstein because he attended TED conferences and was a donor to scientific research. Myhrvold didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Brett Ratner

One collection of newly released images shows Hollywood filmmaker Brett Ratner in a series of photos in Epstein’s New York townhouse, sitting with Epstein and women who have been redacted as well as Jean-Luc Brunel, a modeling agent who died in 2022 in prison awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

Ratner, director of the newly released “Melania” documentary , told the Journal in 2023 that he didn’t know Epstein and had never met him. Through a spokeswoman, Ratner said, “Those photos are from over 20 years ago, from an event I attended with my then-fiancée, who I’m pictured with. I did not know Jeffrey Epstein and do not recall having any subsequent contact with him.”

Marc Rowan

Apollo co-founder Leon Black was one of Epstein’s biggest financial clients and the newly released files show the investment firm’s current chief executive, Marc Rowan , also exchanged emails with Epstein about accounting matters. In one 2016 email, Rowan was copied on an email exchange in which Epstein’s assistant said her boss was interested in a potential purchase of Rowan’s private jet.

An Apollo spokesman said Rowan provided information to Epstein in connection with his tax work for Black. “While Mr. Epstein sought to do work with the Apollo co-founders other than Mr. Black, Mr. Rowan had neither a business nor any other relationship with Mr. Epstein,” the spokesman said. “As previously stated, Apollo never did any business with Mr. Epstein.”

Black, who submitted a poem for Epstein’s 2003 birthday book, has said that he regretted having had any involvement with him.

Kathryn Ruemmler

Flowers, wine, an Hermès bag, $10,000 in Bergdorf Goodman gift cards, spa time, an Apple Watch, “1 million amex points”—that’s a list of some of the gifts Epstein sent Kathryn Ruemmler , the new documents show.

Ruemmler, a former White House counsel under Barack Obama and now general counsel of Goldman Sachs, was at the time a lawyer at Latham & Watkins. Previous Epstein file releases showed they corresponded frequently.

She has said her relationship with Epstein was professional and that she regularly interacted with criminals as part of her job. “I regret ever knowing him, and I have enormous sympathy for the victims of Epstein’s crimes,” she said in a recent statement to the Journal.

“It’s well known that Epstein often offered unsolicited favors and gifts to his many business contacts,” a Goldman spokesman emailed on Jan. 30.

Steve Tisch

Steve Tisch , the co-owner of the New York Giants, exchanged emails with Epstein in 2013, including messages in which they discuss meeting with women. In one message, Tisch described having lunch with a “very sweet girl” that he met at Epstein’s house. Epstein later responded, “she is a little freaked by the age difference but go slow.”

In a statement, Tisch said, “We had a brief association where we exchanged emails about adult women, and in addition, we discussed movies, philanthropy and investments. I did not take him up on any of his invitations and never went to his island. As we all know now, he was a terrible person and someone I deeply regret associating with.”

On Feb. 2, the National Football League said it was “aware of the reports and Steve’s response. Our office will look into the matter to understand the facts.”

Melania Trump

In one 2002 email, Melania Trump wrote to “G” to congratulate her on a New York magazine profile of Epstein. Though the recipient’s email address is redacted, Epstein’s ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell was photographed in the article.

Melania Trump didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jide Zeitlin

An email exchange from 2019 shows that the former Tapestry chairman and chief executive tried to get an Epstein associate a job at the fashion company, which owns the Coach and Kate Spade brands. “My name is Jide Zeitlin and I received your name and resume from Jeffrey Epstein,” he wrote in one message.

In another message, Zeitlin told the person, whose name is redacted, that he had asked Tapestry’s HR chief to “think through potential internal roles that might make sense for you.” He then offered the person some advice: Revise your resume to fill in a two-year gap after graduation, adding “you do not need to identify the businessman with whom you worked.”

A Tapestry spokeswoman said the company was surprised to learn about the emails. “Based on our records no hire was ever made following this request, she said. Zeitlin, who resigned from Tapestry in 2020, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Write to Khadeeja Safdar at khadeeja.safdar@wsj.com and Jaclyn Jeffrey-Wilensky at jjw@wsj.com