The latest release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, touted by the Justice Department as the final batch, has stunned the public once again. With over 800,000 new records made public, the documents expose the interactions of several high-profile figures with Epstein, including emails, planned meetings, and social invitations.
Per The Wall Street Journal, among those named are Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Melania Trump, and others, including a few familiar faces from Hollywood and the business world.
The newly released files contain over 3 million pages of information, including emails, photographs, and internal correspondence. The latest disclosure provides a deeper look at Epstein's sprawling network, revealing associations with celebrities, businessmen, and political figures.
While many of these names had been previously connected to Epstein in prior reports, the latest batch offers fresh insights into their interactions and relationships with the late financier.
Brett Ratner, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates’ connections to Epstein
Among the most shocking revelations is the inclusion of Hollywood director Brett Ratner in the files. Several photographs show Ratner at Epstein’s New York townhouse, posing alongside Epstein and other unnamed individuals, including the late Jean-Luc Brunel. Ratner had previously denied knowing Epstein and stated he had never met him. A spokeswoman for the director did not offer further comment following the release of the documents.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk's emails with Epstein continue to attract attention. Among the documents, one exchange from December 2013 to early 2014 details an invitation from Epstein to Musk for a possible holiday visit to Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands estate. Musk has denied attending any of Epstein's events, writing on social media, “I have never been to any Epstein parties ever and have many times called for the prosecution of those who have committed crimes with Epstein.”
Bill Gates, another prominent figure in the release, has found his name linked to Epstein in several 2013 emails. Epstein allegedly discussed Gates' "marital dispute" with his ex-wife Melinda Gates, though these claims have been fiercely denied.
A spokesperson for Bill Gates called the allegations in the emails “absolutely absurd and completely false,” asserting that the correspondence was a result of Epstein's frustration with not having a continued relationship with Gates.
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Richard Branson, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and Kathryn Ruemmler
Billionaire Richard Branson, best known for founding Virgin Group, appears in multiple documents, including a 2013 email in which Epstein thanked Branson for his hospitality after a visit to Branson's private island. Branson responded that he would be happy to host Epstein again, though he added that Epstein brought three adult women to the meeting. A spokesperson for Branson emphasized that their interactions were business-related and occurred over a decade ago.
The latest release also includes several references to Prince Andrew, formally known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. He is mentioned in documents related to a 2010 email exchange where he invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace for dinner. Though the visit’s occurrence is unclear, the documents once again bring attention to the accusations against Prince Andrew, who has denied any allegations of abuse, though he settled a lawsuit with one of Epstein's victims in 2022.
Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel under Barack Obama and current general counsel at Goldman Sachs, is another figure whose name appears in the latest batch. The files reveal a series of lavish gifts Epstein sent her, including flowers, an Hermès bag, and $10,000 in gift cards. While Ruemmler has maintained that her relationship with Epstein was strictly professional, the documents show numerous communications between the two, fueling further speculation about their interactions.
Howard Lutnick, Steve Tisch, and Melania Trump
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is also mentioned in the release, with several emails showing correspondence with Epstein, including one where Lutnick planned a potential visit to Epstein’s island in 2012. Lutnick had previously stated that after a single visit to Epstein’s home in 2005, he cut ties with Epstein, but the new documents suggest their interactions continued longer than previously disclosed.
Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants, exchanged emails with Epstein in 2013 regarding various topics, including meetings with women. In a statement, Tisch emphasized that while they had a brief association, he regretted associating with Epstein and never accepted any of his invitations.
Lastly, former First Lady Melania Trump’s name surfaces in a 2002 email in which she congratulated Ghislaine Maxwell on a profile of Epstein in New York Magazine. While the recipient's name is redacted, it is believed to be Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate. Melania Trump has not commented on the revelation, but the email adds her name to the growing list of those connected to Epstein.
As the Justice Department continues to sift through the vast trove of documents, public interest in the names connected to Epstein is unlikely to wane. The latest release only adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the individuals involved and their possible roles in Epstein's criminal activities.