Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein exchanged emails for years about possible meetings, DOJ records reveal
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Newly released emails made public by the US Department of Justice on Friday, Jan 30, have revealed previously undisclosed communications between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein.
The emails, dating back to 2012 and 2013, show the two men discussing possible visits to Epstein’s private island, Little St James, despite Musk’s repeated public denials of having ties to the disgraced financier.
The documents are part of a massive release of nearly three million files connected to federal investigations into Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.
Oh look — Elon Musk emailing Jeffrey Epstein asking which night would be the “wildest party” on his island. pic.twitter.com/J17r1pn6r6
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) January 30, 2026
Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein discussed island visits in 2012 and 2013
According to the newly released files, Musk and Epstein exchanged multiple emails over two separate years while attempting to coordinate a visit to Epstein’s island in the Caribbean. One exchange from December 2013 shows Musk reaching out directly.
“Will be in the BVI/St Bart’s area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit?” Musk wrote on December 13, 2013.
Epstein responded warmly, saying, “Any day 1st - 8th . play it by ear if you want. always space for you.”
The emails show the two discussing schedules and settling on January 2 as a tentative date. However, the visit ultimately did not happen. Epstein later wrote that his schedule would keep him in New York.
“Bad news- Unfortunately, my schedule will keep me in New York. I was really looking forward to finally spending some time together with just fun as the agenda,” Epstein said in the email.
A similar exchange took place a year earlier, in November 2012, when Epstein asked Musk how many people would be traveling by helicopter to the island.
“Probably just Talulah and me. What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” Musk replied, referring to his then-wife, actress Talulah Riley.
Emails include party talk, helicopters and scheduling issues
Further emails show Epstein offering Musk the use of his helicopter and encouraging him to visit during the holiday season. In a December 25 message, Musk explained he was looking for a party scene rather than a quiet getaway.
“I’ve been working to the edge of sanity this year… I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose,” Musk wrote.
Epstein responded by suggesting St Barth’s instead of the island, saying the “ratio” on his island might make Riley uncomfortable. Musk replied that it “is not a problem for Talulah.”
Despite the friendly tone, the plans again fell apart. On January 2, 2013, Musk emailed Epstein saying, “Logistics won’t work this time around.”
There is no evidence in the documents that Musk ever visited Little St James.
Emails contradict Elon Musk’s past public denials
The newly revealed emails appear to conflict with Musk’s earlier statements about Epstein. In a 2019 interview with Vanity Fair, Musk called Epstein “obviously a creep” and said the financier had tried repeatedly to get him to visit the island, but that he declined.
The emails suggest Musk at least considered the visits and actively discussed timing and travel details.
The documents also include an email from Epstein’s longtime assistant, Lesley Groff, appearing to arrange a lunch meeting at SpaceX in February 2013. It remains unclear whether the meeting took place or if Musk attended.
Another exchange from March 2013 shows Epstein congratulating Musk after a SpaceX rocket launch, with the two continuing friendly communication.
Epstein’s wider network resurfaces amid renewed scrutiny
Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 and arrested again in 2019, has long been linked to powerful figures across politics, business, and entertainment.
Musk has faced pressure in the past after his name appeared in earlier document releases. In 2014, Epstein’s calendar reportedly included a note reading, “Reminder: Elon Musk to island Dec 6 (is this still happening?).” Musk denied the claim, calling it false in a post on X.
While denying personal ties, Musk has previously accused others, including President Donald Trump and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, of connections to Epstein. He later deleted posts accusing Trump and criticized Gates over his past relationship with the disgraced financier.
