Joe Rogan claims Jeffrey Epstein tried to meet him: 'I'm in the files for not going'

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Podcast host Joe Rogan addressed his name appearing in the recently surfaced Epstein files, saying he was listed not for visiting Jeffrey Epstein but for refusing to meet him after being approached through a mutual contact.

Rogan discussed the matter during a recent episode of 'The Joe Rogan Experience', framing the revelations around Epstein as a broader example of how influential figures continued to associate with the disgraced financier even after his 2008 arrest.

Joe Rogan denies meeting Jeffrey Epstein, explains files

Joe Rogan said his inclusion in the Epstein files stemmed from his refusal to meet Epstein when the financier attempted to arrange an introduction several years ago.

"I’m in the files for not going... because Jeffrey Epstein was trying to meet with me. And I was like what?" Rogan said during the episode. He added, "It’s not even a possibility that I would’ve ever went, especially after I Googled him."

Rogan said the attempted introduction occurred around 2017 and came through one of his podcast guests. "One of my guests was trying to get me to meet him. I was like, b*tch are you high? Like, what the f*ck are you talking about?" he said.

Joe Rogan questions Epstein ties after conviction

During the discussion, Rogan pointed to institutions and high-profile individuals who continued to associate with Epstein after his 2008 conviction. He cited examples, including academic institutions allegedly accepting donations from Epstein while attempting to conceal the source.

Rogan said the Epstein files were an "eye opener" for many people, adding that Epstein was reportedly referred to as “Voldemort” in some circles, suggesting that his name could not be spoken openly despite his continued influence.

He noted that numerous people met with Epstein, traveled with him, or conducted business with him well after his jail sentence, describing the situation as "very dark" and "toxic."

Rogan described Epstein’s operations as a long-running system of influence that spanned multiple political administrations. "It seems like it was this bizarre blackmail influence thing that was going on for a long time," he said. He also suggested Epstein’s model of surrounding himself with respected academics, celebrities, and political figures created a false sense of legitimacy.

Rogan referenced public figures such as Steven Pinker and Bill Clinton while explaining how Epstein allegedly used proximity to powerful names to normalize his presence.

Rogan said some people become intoxicated by access to wealthy and influential circles, even without ambitions of power themselves. He argued that Epstein leveraged this dynamic to draw people in, often without basic scrutiny.

"You can't have your assistant Google something?" Rogan said, questioning how some individuals failed to conduct even minimal background checks.