Emails Reveal Branson’s ‘Harem’ Remark and Advice to Epstein
Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice have shed light on Sir Richard Branson’s past interactions with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, including an email where Branson invited Epstein to “bring his harem” and offered advice on rehabilitating his public image. The emails, part of the extensive “Epstein File,” were made public on Friday, detailing exchanges from September 2013.
In one 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 a visit by Epstein to Branson’s private island.
Earlier correspondence from Epstein’s office had indicated that his visit would include three male business associates and “two Russian girls.”
Branson’s Statement and Defence
Sir Richard Branson has strongly denied any wrongdoing. He released a statement asserting that he and his late wife, Joan, had ceased all contact with Epstein upon learning of his “abhorrent” crimes.
However, the 2013 email exchange shows Branson appearing to offer guidance to Epstein on how to improve his image, particularly after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges related to procuring a minor for prostitution. Branson suggested that if Microsoft founder Bill Gates were willing to publicly support him, it could aid in Epstein’s rehabilitation.
Branson wrote to Epstein: “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 context of the visit to Branson’s Necker island was further detailed in emails where Epstein’s assistant inquired if Boris Nikolic, an associate of Bill Gates, could accompany Epstein. Branson responded affirmatively, asking for the names of all attendees. The assistant then confirmed Epstein would be accompanied by several other individuals and “the two Russian girl[s],” whose names were redacted. It was also noted that these individuals “don’t have UK visas.”
A spokesperson for Sir Richard explained that Epstein had sought public relations advice during their email conversation, having claimed to be an advisor to Bill Gates. The spokesperson further clarified that the use of the word “harem” was a term Branson “regrettably repeated” from Epstein, without being aware of the “full facts” of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Other High-Profile Figures Implicated
Sir Richard Branson is not the only prominent individual whose name has surfaced in connection with the Epstein Files. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk also had email exchanges with Epstein.
In November 2012, Musk emailed Epstein asking: “What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” He indicated he would be bringing his then-wife, British actress Talulah Riley. Musk has consistently maintained that he never visited Epstein’s Caribbean estate, Little St James.
The following year, Musk again contacted Epstein, inquiring: “Will be in the BVI/St Bart’s area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit?” Epstein promptly replied, suggesting “Any day, 1st-8th, play it by ear if you want. Always space for you.”
After Musk responded with “OK,” Epstein wrote back, “I will come and get you.” However, Musk later withdrew from the proposed trip, citing a scheduling conflict. He expressed disappointment, stating: “Bad news. Unfortunately my schedule will keep me in New York. I was really looking forward to finally spending some time together with just fun as the agenda so I am very disappointed. Hopefully we can schedule another time in the near future.”
Musk later posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night, stating: “I had very little correspondence with Epstein and declined repeated invitations to go to his island or fly on his ‘Lolita Express’ but was well aware that some email correspondence with him could be misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name.”
Labour Grandee and Financial Support
The newly released documents also name Labour politician Peter Mandelson. Epstein reportedly paid £10,000 in 2009 to fund osteopathy studies for Mandelson’s Brazilian husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva. Da Silva had emailed Epstein requesting financial assistance for his course expenses, including fees, anatomical models, and a laptop. Epstein responded by stating, “I will wire your loan amount immediately.”
Mandelson issued an apology, admitting: “I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards.”
Branson’s Contact with Epstein
A spokesperson for Sir Richard Branson reiterated that any contact between Richard and Joan Branson and Epstein occurred on a few occasions over 12 years ago, primarily in group or business settings, such as charity events.
The spokesperson stated: “When Epstein offered a charity donation, the Bransons asked their team to carry out due diligence before accepting the donation which uncovered serious allegations. As a result, Virgin Unite did not take the donation and Richard and Joan decided not to meet or speak with Epstein again. Had they had the full picture and information there would have been no contact whatsoever. Richard believes that Epstein’s actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims.”
Bill Gates Denies Claims
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Bill Gates vehemently denied claims made in the newly released documents. These claims suggested that Epstein had transmitted a sexually transmitted disease to Gates from “Russian girls” and that Gates had asked Epstein to procure antibiotics for him. The spokesperson described these claims as “absolutely absurd and completely false.”
Controversy Over Victim Identification
The released files contain over 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, with significant redactions to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims. However, some victims’ representatives have expressed anger that their names were not fully concealed. Brad Edwards, who represented numerous victims, stated that the Justice Department had “violated the trust, privacy and the rights of more victims than ever before.”
