New Epstein Files Reveal Connections with High-Profile Figures

The list of some of the world's most rich and powerful people with ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has lengthened, after the US government released millions of new files from its investigation into the disgraced financier. There is no suggestion that appearing in the documents implies any wrongdoing. Many people who have featured in previous releases have denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Here is a list of some of the people mentioned in the latest release.

The documents include email correspondence between Epstein and tech billionaire Elon Musk over travel plans Epstein appeared to be arranging, although Musk has said he has never visited Epstein's private island. In November 2012, Musk wrote in one email: "What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?" In another, from December the same year, he wrote: "I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose", adding that a "peaceful island experience" is the opposite of what he's wanting. Musk responded in an X post in January, acknowledging that the emails might be used to "smear my name", but said he was more concerned about the prosecution of "those who committed serious crimes with Epstein".

Two emails from 18 July 2013 are written as though drafted by Epstein, but it is unclear if they are genuine or were ever sent to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. One email is written as a resignation letter from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and complains about having had to procure medicine for Gates "to deal with the consequences of sex with Russian girls". In an interview with NPR, his ex-wife Melinda said the release of the documents brought up memories of their marital struggles. "I'm able to take my own sadness and look at those young girls and say, my God, how did that happen to those girls?" she said. "At least for me, I've been able to move on in life, and I hope there's some justice for those now-women." A spokesperson for Gates told the BBC: "These claims – from a proven, disgruntled liar – are absolutely absurd and completely false."

The US president is mentioned many times in the newly released files, which includes a list compiled by the FBI last year of allegations made against Trump by callers to its national Threat Operation Center tip line. Many of these appear to be based on unverified tips received by the agency and were made without supporting evidence. The list includes numerous allegations of sexual abuse made against Trump, Epstein and other high-profile figures. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, with whom he says he severed contact decades ago, and has not been accused of any crimes by Epstein's victims.

Photographs appearing to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling on all fours over a female lying on the ground have also been included in the latest Epstein files release. In two of the images, the former prince is seen touching the person, who is unidentified and fully clothed, on her stomach. Another image shows him staring directly at the camera. No context is supplied for the photos and it is unclear when and where they were taken. BBC News has approached Mountbatten-Windsor for comment. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office in mid-February in Norfolk, after Thames Valley Police said it was assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by the former prince with Epstein. He has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing. Mountainbatten-Windsor served as the UK's trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

Richard Branson's name appears many times in the files. In one 2013 exchange, Epstein thanks Branson for his recent hospitality and public relations advice, to which Branson replies that it was "really nice" seeing him, adding: "Any time you're in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!" Virgin Group has clarified that "harem" referred to three adult members of Epstein's team. In a statement to the BBC, Virgin Group said Branson's contact with Epstein was "only a few occasions more than twelve years ago, and was limited to group or business settings, such as a charity tennis event". The statement added: "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 of what the due diligence uncovered, 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."

Sarah Ferguson, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ex-wife, who is invariably known as Fergie, appears to also be mentioned in multiple emails, including when Epstein was still under house arrest. An email from an account believed to belong to Epstein says: "I think Fergie can now say, I am not a pedo." In another email exchange from April 2009 there is a request to meet Epstein for a "quick cup of tea", that includes the lines: "My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey. You are a legend, and I am so proud of you." The emails do not indicate any wrongdoing. The BBC has contacted Ferguson for a response.

Epstein made $75,000 (£55,000) of payments to accounts connected to Lord Mandelson, bank statements released in the files suggest, including to his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva. The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into Lord Mandelson following claims he passed market-sensitive information to Epstein. In 2009, one year after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor, da Silva sent an email requesting "anything you can help me with". Epstein replied: "I will wire your loan amount immediately". A separate email exchange appears to show Epstein arranging a place for Mandelson to stay at one of his New York apartments, with Epstein writing, "thrilled to host and sad I'm not there". Lord Mandelson stepped down from the House of Lords, and also resigned from the Labour Party. He has reiterated his regret for "ever having known Epstein" and for continuing his association following Epstein's conviction. He has told the BBC he "was never culpable or complicit in (Epstein's) crimes. Like everyone else I learned the actual truth about him after his death". He has not responded to the allegations of leaking documents, but BBC understands that he maintains he did not act criminally and did not act for personal gain. He argues that he sought Epstein's expertise in the national interest during the 2008 global financial crisis. He was arrested at the end of February from his home in Camden, north London. The Metropolitan Police then released a statement confirming a 72-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and taken to a London police station for interview.

The files also contain many messages that appear to be sent between the late convicted sex offender and one of Trump's former top advisers, Steve Bannon. Most messages were sent in 2018 and 2019 after Bannon left his role in the first Trump White House, as he was making a film about Epstein prior to his death. One text exchange shows Bannon apparently strategising with Epstein on how to change the narrative around his past crimes, suggesting "first we need to push back on the lies" and "rebuild your image as philanthropist". Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not respond to requests for comment from the BBC.

An October 2018 text exchange between Miroslav Lajčák - who was serving as Slovakia's foreign minister at the time - and Epstein appeared to show the two messaging about girls and diplomacy. After Epstein sent an image, which cannot be seen in the record, Lajčák replies: "Why don't you invite me for these games? I would take the 'MI' girl." "Who wouldn't," Epstein texts back. "You can have them both, I am not possessive. And their sisters." Following the latest release of Epstein-related documents, Lajčák resigned from his current post as Slovakia's national security advisor. He is not accused of any wrongdoing.

US Commerce Department Secretary Howard Lutnick brought his family to visit Jeffrey Epstein's private island in 2012, according to emails included in the latest Epstein files' release, contradicting previous claims that he had cut ties with him years earlier. In one email from December 2012, Lutnick's wife Allison wrote to Epstein's assistant on what appeared to be the eve of the visit: "We are looking forward to visiting you", and, "We would love to join you for lunch". During congressional testimony in February 2026, Lutnick confirmed the visit publicly for the first time, saying he spent about an hour on the island, along with his wife, four children, and their nannies. He previously said he cut off contact with Epstein in 2005. Lutnick told lawmakers that he was in the region for a vacation, and that in the years since the visit, "I barely had anything to do with" Epstein. He also acknowledged another one-hour meeting with Epstein, which took place a year and a half after the island visit. The commerce department said in a statement to the BBC that "Secretary Lutnick had limited interactions with Mr Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing".

Larry Summers, US President Bill Clinton's former treasury secretary and former Harvard University president, is also in the new documents, including references to meetings and dinners between Summers and Epstein. In emails from 2017, Summers and Epstein joked about Trump and criticised him during his first term.