Newly released documents from the US Congress reveal connections between high-profile individuals, including Elon Musk, Steve Bannon, and Prince Andrew, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These records, made public by the House Oversight Committee, provide insight into Epstein’s network during the 2010s, raising significant questions regarding the relationships he maintained.
The documents include a flight log from the year 2000 that lists Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, as a passenger on Epstein’s private jet. The flight was from New Jersey to Palm Beach, Florida, accompanied by Epstein’s close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Additionally, a ledger of transactions was released, which remains largely redacted except for two entries indicating payments described as “massage for Andrew,” each amounting to $200.
Connections and Meetings
Further details from the released documents highlight scheduled meetings involving notable figures. A diary entry indicates that Epstein was set to have breakfast with Steve Bannon in February 2019, shortly after Bannon’s departure from the White House. This meeting occurred just months before Epstein’s arrest on charges of sex trafficking minors. Another entry noted a planned lunch meeting between Epstein and Peter Thiel in New York in November 2017. Thiel, known for co-founding PayPal and Palantir, also made headlines as the first outside investor in Facebook.
Epstein’s December 2014 schedule included a “tentative breakfast” with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, further illustrating the breadth of his connections. Notably, an entry related to Elon Musk suggested that Musk might visit Epstein’s private island, Little St James, with a note questioning, “Is this still happening?”
Background on Epstein’s Legal Troubles
Jeffrey Epstein’s legal history is marked by serious allegations and a controversial plea deal. He was first indicted in 2006 in Florida for solicitation of prostitution, which led to a broader investigation by the FBI. In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to two charges, including solicitation of prostitution with a minor, resulting in a 13-month jail sentence with work release.
The release of these documents adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s connections and the high-profile individuals involved. With the information disclosed by the House Oversight Committee, there are renewed calls for transparency and accountability regarding Epstein’s network and the implications for those named in these records.
