Elon Musk has issued a public response after private email correspondence between himself and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein appeared in the latest and most expansive release of documents connected to the Epstein investigation. The disclosure, made public by the U.S. Department of Justice, forms part of a congressionally mandated transparency effort intended to bring long-withheld materials into public view.
On Friday, federal officials released approximately 3.5 million additional documents related to Epstein, including emails, schedules, photographs, contact lists, and internal records. The release follows a transparency law passed by Congress last year, requiring the Department of Justice to publish the full non-sealed Epstein archive, subject to redactions designed to protect victims and individuals not accused of crimes.
The newly released materials reference numerous high-profile figures from business, politics, and public life. Among them are email exchanges between Epstein and Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX and the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter. The correspondence dates back to late 2013 and early 2014 and centers on a potential visit by Musk to Little St. James, Epstein’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Little St. James, often referred to publicly as “Epstein Island,” became a focal point of federal investigations following Epstein’s 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges. Prosecutors alleged that the island was one of several locations where Epstein abused underage girls over many years, allegations that led to widespread scrutiny of his social and professional network.
According to the newly released emails, Musk contacted Epstein on December 13, 2013, writing that his family would “be in the BVI/St Bart’s area over the holidays” and asking whether there would be “a good time to visit.” Epstein replied that early January 2014 would be suitable, suggesting availability between January 1 and January 8, and added, “Always space for you.”
Further exchanges show the two tentatively discussing January 2 as a possible date for the visit. Epstein suggested flexibility, proposing alternative days and offering to personally coordinate transportation. Musk responded that January 1 was “probably” workable, to which Epstein replied that January 2 or 3 would be “perfect” and that he would “come and get you.”
Despite the apparent planning, the visit was never finalized. On December 31, 2013, Epstein’s longtime assistant, Lesley Groff, sent an internal reminder noting that Musk had been asking about visiting the island on January 2. The following day, Epstein emailed Musk again, suggesting an alternative arrangement that involved clearing customs in St. Thomas and meeting for lunch.
Musk responded that the “logistics won’t work this time around,” and no further arrangements were confirmed. The email chain ends without any indication that the visit took place.
Additional records released previously add further context. A copy of Epstein’s daily agenda, made public in September 2025 by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, listed Musk as tentatively scheduled to visit Little St. James in December 2014. That visit, too, did not occur, according to individuals familiar with Musk’s travel history.
A source close to Musk told the New York Post following the release that Musk “never went” to Epstein’s island and claimed that the billionaire had “no social relationship whatsoever” with Epstein. The source emphasized that the two did not spend time together socially and that their interactions were limited.
After the emails became public, Musk addressed the matter directly in a statement posted on X. He said he supported the release of the Epstein files and welcomed public transparency, even though he was aware that selective excerpts from correspondence could be taken out of context.
“No one pushed harder than me to have the Epstein files released and I’m glad that has finally happened,” Musk wrote. He stated that he had “very little correspondence with Epstein” and said he declined repeated invitations to visit Epstein’s island or to travel aboard Epstein’s private aircraft, often referred to in media reports as the “Lolita Express.”
Musk added that while he understood that some of the released material could be “misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name,” he was unconcerned about personal reputational attacks. Instead, he said, the focus should remain on accountability for crimes committed in connection with Epstein.
“I don’t care about that,” Musk wrote. “What I do care about is that we at least attempt to prosecute those who committed serious crimes with Epstein, especially regarding heinous exploitation of underage girls.”
The Department of Justice has repeatedly emphasized that being named in the Epstein files or appearing in correspondence with him does not constitute evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Officials have stressed that Epstein maintained extensive contact with individuals across business, academia, politics, and philanthropy, many of whom were never accused of any involvement in his crimes.
The latest release includes materials that have already drawn public attention, including additional communications involving Britain’s Prince Andrew, who has previously denied allegations of wrongdoing and reached a civil settlement in 2022 without admitting liability. The files also include a newly released mugshot of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, who is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence after being convicted of recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein’s abuse.
Legal experts note that the Epstein Files Transparency Act was designed to address longstanding public concern that Epstein’s wealth and influence allowed him to evade meaningful accountability for years. Epstein first faced criminal charges in 2006, ultimately receiving a controversial plea deal in Florida in 2008 that limited his jail time and shielded potential co-conspirators from prosecution. That agreement later became the subject of intense criticism and legal challenges.
Epstein was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges but died in custody before trial. His death, ruled a suicide, further intensified demands for transparency and fueled widespread speculation about the scope of his network and the failures that allowed his abuse to continue.
While the current release fulfills a major legislative requirement, victim advocates have expressed mixed reactions. Some argue that transparency is essential for accountability and historical record-keeping, while others warn that repeated releases risk retraumatizing survivors or encouraging unfounded speculation about individuals who were never accused of crimes.
The Department of Justice has stated that extensive redactions were applied to protect victims, minors, and uninvolved third parties. Officials have also indicated that while this release represents one of the final large disclosures, additional materials could still be made public if courts order the unsealing of specific records.
For Musk, the appearance of his emails in the files places him among a long list of public figures whose past interactions with Epstein have come under renewed scrutiny. His response aligns with statements he has made previously about the importance of transparency and accountability, while firmly denying any personal involvement with Epstein beyond limited correspondence.
As journalists, researchers, and members of the public continue to examine the millions of documents now available, officials caution against drawing conclusions without context. The files, they say, reflect the breadth of Epstein’s communications rather than proof of criminal behavior by those named within them.
Even so, the release marks a significant moment in one of the most consequential criminal scandals in recent decades — one that continues to raise questions about power, accountability, and the systems that failed to stop abuse sooner.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
