Branson’s Controversial “Harem” Remark and Advice to Epstein Emerge in New Files
Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation have cast a spotlight on Sir Richard Branson, revealing an email exchange from September 2013 where the Virgin Group founder invited the convicted paedophile to “bring his harem” and offered advice on rehabilitating his public image. The emails, part of over three million documents made public by the US Department of Justice, detail a conversation that occurred shortly after Epstein visited Branson’s private island.
In an email dated September 11, 2013, Sir Richard wrote to Epstein, stating: “Dear Jeffrey, it was really nice seeing you yesterday. The boys in watersports can’t stop speaking about it! Any time you’re in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!” This remark followed an earlier exchange arranged by Epstein’s office, which indicated he would be visiting with three male business associates and “two Russian girls.”
Sir Richard has strongly refuted any suggestion of wrongdoing. He released a statement asserting that he and his late wife, Joan, ceased all contact with Epstein upon learning of his “abhorrent” crimes. However, the 2013 email exchange shows Branson appearing to offer suggestions to Epstein on how to improve his public perception, a year after Epstein pleaded guilty to charges of procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008.
Branson suggested that the backing of Microsoft founder Bill Gates could be instrumental in Epstein’s rehabilitation. The entrepreneur wrote: “I think if Bill Gates was willing to say that you’ve been a brilliant advisor to him, that you slipped up many years ago by sleeping with a 17½-year-old woman and were punished for it, that you’ve more than learnt your lesson and have done nothing that’s against the law since and, yes, as a single man you seem to have a penchant for women. But there’s nothing wrong with that.”
The release of these documents has also prompted a strong denial from Bill Gates regarding claims made by Epstein. The billionaire was forced to issue a statement after the newly released files indicated Epstein alleged that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease from “Russian girls” and had requested antibiotics from Epstein. Gates’ representatives have labelled these claims as “absolutely absurd and completely false.”
Further details from the emails shed light on the arrangements for Epstein’s visit to Branson’s Necker island. Epstein’s assistant had inquired if he could bring Boris Nikolic, an associate of Bill Gates. Branson’s response was affirmative, asking for the names of all attendees. The assistant then confirmed that Epstein would be accompanied by several others and “the two Russian girl[s],” whose names were redacted in the documents. The assistant also noted that these individuals “don’t have UK visas.”
A spokesperson for Sir Richard Branson explained that Epstein had sought public relations advice during their email correspondence, claiming to be an advisor to Bill Gates. The spokesperson further elaborated that any contact Branson and his late wife had with Epstein occurred on only a few occasions over 12 years ago, primarily in group or business settings, such as a charity tennis event. They added that upon receiving a charity donation offer from Epstein, the Bransons initiated due diligence, which uncovered serious allegations. Consequently, Virgin Unite did not accept the donation, and the Bransons decided to cease all further contact. The spokesperson stated that had they possessed the complete information, no contact would have occurred. Sir Richard Branson reportedly views Epstein’s actions as abhorrent and supports justice for his victims. The spokesman clarified that Branson’s use of the word “harem” was a regrettable repetition of a term used by Epstein, without full knowledge of the extent of his crimes.
Elon Musk’s Past Correspondence with Epstein Surfaces
The Epstein Files have also implicated other prominent figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Emails show Musk corresponded with Epstein in November 2012, inquiring about the “wildest party” on his island and stating he would bring his then-wife, actress Talulah Riley. Musk has consistently maintained that he never visited Epstein’s Caribbean estate, Little St James.
The following year, Musk again emailed Epstein, asking about a suitable time to visit while he would be in the British Virgin Islands and St. Barts area over the holidays. Epstein promptly replied, suggesting any day between the 1st and 8th of the month and advising Musk to “play it by ear.” Epstein then offered to pick Musk up. However, Musk later withdrew from the planned visit, citing a conflicting schedule that would keep him in New York and expressing disappointment at missing the opportunity to spend time together with a focus solely on leisure.
Labour Peer and Husband’s Financial Ties to Epstein Revealed
The newly released documents also re-surface the connection between Labour peer Peter Mandelson and Epstein. The files reportedly reveal that Epstein paid £10,000 in 2009 to cover the osteopathy school expenses for Mandelson’s Brazilian husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva. An email from da Silva to Epstein requests assistance with course fees, anatomical models, and a laptop, stating: “I sent you a couple of emails last week regarding my osteo course expenses incl [sic] fee, anatomical models, laptop if you can help me with this. I hope you received them.” Epstein’s reply confirmed: “I will wire your loan amount immediately.”
Lord Mandelson issued an apology, acknowledging he was wrong to trust Epstein after his conviction and to continue their association.
Broader Implications and Victim Advocacy
The release of the Epstein Files includes over 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, with significant redactions in place to protect the identities of victims. However, some individuals and advocates have expressed anger over the extent to which names have been concealed. Brad Edwards, who represented numerous Epstein victims, stated that the Justice Department had “violated the trust, privacy and the rights of more victims than ever before.”
Elon Musk addressed the revelations on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night, acknowledging limited correspondence with Epstein and declining invitations to his island. He expressed awareness that some email exchanges could be misinterpreted and used to damage his reputation.
