Who Is Named in the Epstein Files?
The list of wealthy and influential figures connected—directly or indirectly—to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has grown once again, following the release of millions of new documents by the US government.
The latest disclosure, released on 30 January, forms part of a sweeping tranche of material often referred to as the Epstein files. The release includes approximately three million pages of records, 180,000 images, and more than 2,000 videos gathered during years of federal investigations into Epstein’s activities.
Among the names appearing in the documents are global business leaders, politicians, royalty and public figures, including Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Donald Trump.
Authorities and legal experts have repeatedly stressed that being named in the files does not imply criminal wrongdoing. Many references stem from emails, unverified tips, third-party allegations or Epstein’s own correspondence—sources that investigators have long cautioned should be treated carefully.
The release follows the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in November by US President Donald Trump, which mandated the full disclosure of all Epstein-related records. Lawmakers from both parties argue that the administration has still not released all required documents.
Below are some of the individuals mentioned in the most recent release.
Elon Musk
The files contain email exchanges between Epstein and tech billionaire Elon Musk from 2012, discussing potential travel and social plans. Epstein appeared to be arranging trips, though Musk has said he never visited Epstein’s private island.
In one email, Musk asked: “What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” In another, he wrote that he wanted to “hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose,” adding that a peaceful island experience was not what he was seeking at the time.
Response:
In January, Musk acknowledged the emails in a post on X, saying they could be used to “smear” his name but adding that his focus was on prosecuting those who committed serious crimes with Epstein.
Bill Gates
Two emails dated 18 July 2013 appear to be written in Epstein’s voice and addressed to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. It is unclear whether the emails were ever sent or whether they are authentic.
The messages contain explicit and unverified allegations concerning Gates’ personal life, including claims about medical treatment and efforts to conceal a sexually transmitted infection.
In an interview with NPR, Gates’ former wife Melinda French Gates said the release reopened painful memories but reinforced her concern for Epstein’s victims.
“I’m able to take my own sadness and look at those young girls and say, my God, how did that happen to those girls?” she said.
Response:
A spokesperson for Gates said the claims were “absolutely absurd and completely false,” describing Epstein as a “proven, disgruntled liar.”
Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump is referenced hundreds of times in the documents, including within an FBI list of allegations submitted to its Threat Operation Center tip line.
Many of the allegations are based on unverified tips, some lacking supporting evidence, and none cited in the files resulted in charges related to Epstein’s crimes.
Response:
Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that he cut ties with Epstein decades ago. He has not been accused of crimes by Epstein’s known victims.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
The release includes photographs that appear to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over a woman lying on the ground. In two images, he appears to be touching her stomach, while another shows him looking directly at the camera.
The woman is unidentified and fully clothed. No information is provided regarding the date, location or context of the images.
Richard Branson
Virgin Group founder Richard Branson’s name appears hundreds of times in the files. In one 2013 email exchange, Epstein thanked Branson for hospitality and advice, to which Branson replied: “Any time you’re in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!”
Virgin Group later clarified that the term referred to three adult members of Epstein’s team.
Response:
Virgin Group said Branson’s contact with Epstein occurred on only a few occasions more than a decade ago and was limited to group or business settings. After due diligence uncovered serious allegations, the company declined an Epstein donation and ended all contact.
Sarah Ferguson
Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, appears in several emails, including messages sent while Epstein was under house arrest.
One email attributed to Epstein states: “I think Fergie can now say, I am not a pedo.” Another exchange includes praise and affectionate language.
Response:
The emails do not suggest wrongdoing. The BBC has contacted Ferguson for comment.
Lord Mandelson
Bank records in the files show $75,000 (£55,000) in payments from Epstein-linked accounts to those connected with Lord Mandelson, including his partner.
UK police have launched a criminal investigation following claims Mandelson shared market-sensitive information with Epstein.
Response:
Mandelson has said he regrets knowing Epstein and has stepped down from the House of Lords. He denies any criminal conduct and says he acted in the national interest during the 2008 financial crisis.
Steve Bannon
Thousands of messages between Epstein and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon appear in the files, mostly from 2018 and 2019, when Bannon was working on a documentary about Epstein.
Some messages show discussion about reshaping Epstein’s public image.
Response:
Bannon is not accused of wrongdoing and did not respond to requests for comment.
Additional Figures Named
The files also reference:
- Miroslav Lajčák, former Slovak foreign minister, who resigned from a later government role after the release
- Howard Lutnick, US commerce secretary, who planned a family visit to Epstein’s island
- Larry Summers, former US treasury secretary, who later resigned from several posts
- Steve Tisch, New York Giants co-owner
- Brett Ratner, film director
- Peter Attia, physician and media contributor
- Casey Wasserman, LA 2028 Olympics chairman
- Sergey Brin, Google co-founder
- Ehud Barak, former Israeli prime minister
In each case, individuals or their representatives have either denied wrongdoing or said no evidence suggests illegal conduct.
What the Epstein Files Show
Legal experts stress that the Epstein files are not a list of offenders, but a vast archive of investigative material—emails, tips, photographs and financial records—many of which are incomplete or unverified.
Nonetheless, transparency advocates argue that continued disclosure is vital to understanding how Epstein operated within elite political, financial and social circles for decades.
As lawmakers press for the release of any remaining documents, scrutiny of the Epstein case—and those named within its records—continues to intensify.
