Fact Check: Does an Epstein email show World War III would begin on February 8?

WASHINGTON, DC: Following the recent release of a massive tranche of photos and documents related to the convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein, a claim has been circulating on social media that the released files include an email saying that World War III would begin on February 8, this year. Let us analyse and fact-check the claim.

Claim: Jeffrey Epstein's email claims WWIII will begin on February 8

The rumor claims that the documents released by the Department of Justice show that the late disgraced financier predicted World War III. 

Social media users have been sharing screenshots of the alleged email, which appeared to be addressed to Epstein's email address from a person named James Heywood.

The purported email read, “SUBJECT LINE: Off Grid Re: intro, potential angel investmentt app (nuclear)”

“We need to discuss ww3 the investors want to know if we are still planning Feb 8 2026. Please be advised that I am on vacation till July 29. I will be attempting to be "off grid". 

“My assistant Rachael Haynes .com can help if it is urgent.

-jamie”

Fact Check: The screenshot is digitally fabricated

However, a search on the Epstein files found no emails matching the text shown in the screenshot, indicating that it is fake. 

The document matching the file numbers on the bottom right of the fake screenshot — 'EFTA_R1_00353105' and 'EFTA01914490' — corresponds to a different email in the DOJ’s Epstein library, which was used as a basis for the fake screenshot. 

The person who made the screenshot appeared to use digital editing tools to alter some key elements of the original document and turn it into the image shared online.

The comparison between the original and the fake image showed clear alterations. In the original, Haywood is listed as the sender without an email address. In the fake version, a black line appears, suggesting an email address was redacted. 

The original email read, “Please be advised that I am on vacation till July 29.  I will be attempting to be "off grid" 

“My assistant Rachel Haynes [REDACTED] can help if it is urgent. 

-jamie”

There was no mention of 'WW3' or 'Feb 8 2026.' 

Massive release of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein

The claim came after the release of millions of additional pages of records linked by the Justice Department to Epstein on January 30. 

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the release also included more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.

The decision came after weeks of criticism that the department was not following a federal law passed in November, which required all Epstein-related files to be made public by December 19.