Esther Imonmion
Newly released Epstein files have cast a spotlight on billionaire Elon Musk and Britain’s Prince Andrew, revealing their names among a growing list of high-profile individuals connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The documents, handed over to the House Oversight Committee by the Epstein Estate and made public by Congressional Democrats on Friday, include phone message logs, flight manifests, financial ledgers, and entries from Epstein’s daily schedule, providing unprecedented insight into Epstein’s network.
One entry, dated 6 December 2014, reads: “Reminder: Elon Musk to island Dec. 6 (is this still happening?).” Musk has previously stated that Epstein invited him to the island but that he declined. Meanwhile, a flight manifest records Prince Andrew traveling with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell from Teterboro, New Jersey, to West Palm Beach, Florida, on 12 May 2000. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of conspiring with Epstein to traffic girls for sex.
A heavily redacted ledger also notes two payments for massages for an “Andrew” in February and May 2000. While Buckingham Palace records confirm Prince Andrew was in the U.S. at the time, it remains unclear whether the references point to him.
Other entries in the Epstein files reveal planned meetings with prominent figures, including a lunch with tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel in November 2017, a breakfast with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon on 17 February 2019, and tentative plans for a gathering with Microsoft founder Bill Gates in December 2014, who has since described his interactions with Epstein as a “mistake.”
Democrats on the Oversight Committee noted that these partial records represent the third batch of documents provided by the Epstein Estate. Committee spokesperson Sara Guerrero urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to ensure the release of additional files, emphasizing: “Every new document produced provides new information as we work to bring justice for the survivors and victims.”
Republicans, however, accused Democrats of “putting politics over victims” and pledged to release the full set of documents soon. While the Epstein files name these figures, the records do not suggest they were aware of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, having previously reached a controversial plea deal in 2008 after being accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl at his Palm Beach home.