Epstein Files Name Global Elites, Royals and Tycoons

FILE - Elon Musk listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the Oval Office of the White House, May 30, 2025, in Washington.

A newly released cache of US Justice Department documents linked to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein has named a broad array of powerful figures, including tech tycoons, former heads of state, royalty and senior political leaders, reviving scrutiny of their past associations with the disgraced financier.

None of the individuals named have been charged with crimes related to Epstein’s sexual abuse of girls and young women, and all have denied wrongdoing. However, the files indicate that several maintained contact or relationships with Epstein even after allegations against him became widely known. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

One of the most prominent names is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Britain’s Prince Andrew, whose name appears hundreds of times in the documents, including in Epstein’s private emails. He has long denied allegations by the late Virginia Giuffre that she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with him when she was 17. His remaining royal titles were stripped last year.

References also appear to Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s former wife, who apologised in 2011 for allowing Epstein to help settle her debts. Emails show she later sought Epstein’s advice on handling media queries about their relationship, despite previously saying she had cut ties.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is mentioned in emails discussing possible visits to Epstein’s Caribbean island in 2012 and 2013, though it remains unclear whether any visit occurred. Musk has said he repeatedly rejected Epstein’s invitations.

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson exchanged emails with Epstein, including invitations to Branson’s Caribbean island. His company said there was no wrongdoing and that any contact was limited and ended once serious allegations emerged.

The documents contain thousands of references to US President Donald Trump, largely linked to shared articles, political commentary and gossip. A Justice Department summary of tip-line claims involving prominent figures, including Trump, said many allegations were unsubstantiated and not considered credible by investigators.

Former US President Bill Clinton is also referenced. He has acknowledged travelling with Epstein years ago but says he cut all ties after Epstein faced criminal charges in 2006. No victim has publicly accused Clinton of misconduct.

Other figures named include New York Giants co-owner Steven Tisch, film director Brett Ratner, and Casey Wasserman, head of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics organising committee. Each has denied illegal conduct, with Wasserman later expressing regret over past communications linked to Epstein’s circle.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is shown to have remained in contact with Epstein for years, including after his 2008 conviction. Barak has said he never witnessed any inappropriate behaviour. Larry Summers, former US treasury secretary and ex-Harvard president, is also frequently cited and has described his interactions with Epstein as a serious error of judgment.

Howard Lutnick, US commerce secretary under President Trump, appears in records showing visits to Epstein’s island with family members, though officials say his interactions were limited and he has not been accused of wrongdoing. Google co-founder Sergey Brin, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon and several other political and business figures are also referenced.

The files further note that Miroslav Lajcak, Slovakia’s national security adviser and former foreign minister, resigned after past contacts with Epstein came to light. He has said those interactions were diplomatic and denied misconduct.

US officials have stressed that inclusion in the documents does not imply criminal behaviour. Reviews of the newly released records are ongoing as investigators and analysts continue to examine their contents.