Newly released documents from the Department of Justice detail previously undisclosed communications between Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein. The emails indicate cordial exchanges between the two in 2012 and 2013 regarding potential visits by Musk to Epstein’s Little St James island.
Email Exchanges
2013 Communications
On December 13, 2013, Musk inquired about visiting Epstein's island while in the BVI/St Bart's area for the holidays. Epstein responded by suggesting availability from January 1st to 8th, stating, "any day 1st - 8th . play it by ear if you want. always space for you."
After Musk provided his schedule, a visit was tentatively set for January 2. However, Epstein later canceled, citing a schedule conflict in New York and expressing disappointment.
2012 Communications
In November 2012, Epstein emailed Musk asking, "how many people will you be for the heli to island." Musk responded, "Probably just Talulah and me," referring to his then-wife Talulah Riley, and notably asked about the "wildest party" on the island.
On December 25, Musk replied to another invitation from Epstein, making it clear he was seeking a party scene in St Barts or elsewhere.
"A peaceful island experience is the opposite of what I’m looking for."
Epstein then suggested that the "ratio on my island might make Talilah uncomfortable," to which Musk quickly countered, "Ratio is not a problem for Talulah." Despite these exchanges, on January 2, 2013, Musk emailed Epstein, indicating the visit would not occur due to "Logistics won’t work this time around."
Other Interactions
A separate email from Epstein's assistant, Lesley Groff, in 2013, referenced plans for Epstein to have lunch at SpaceX on February 25. The documents do not specify whether this lunch took place or if Musk attended. Additionally, exchanges from March 2013 show Epstein congratulating Musk after a SpaceX rocket launch.
Musk's Previous Statements
The newly released emails present a contrast with previous statements from Musk regarding his connections to Epstein.
In 2019, Musk told Vanity Fair that Epstein was "obviously a creep."
"He tried repeatedly to get me to visit his island. I declined."
Musk had also denied a 2014 calendar entry from Epstein's schedule that mentioned "Reminder: Elon Musk to island Dec. 6." Furthermore, Musk denied knowing Ghislaine Maxwell, stating she merely "photobombed" him at a Vanity Fair party.
Musk has acknowledged one interaction, stating he once visited Epstein’s Manhattan apartment for approximately 30 minutes with his ex-wife Talulah Riley for her book research. Musk has also publicly referenced Epstein when criticizing figures such as Donald Trump and Bill Gates.