Email correspondence released Friday by the Justice Department shows that Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed interest in visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s Caribbean island on multiple occasions in 2012 and 2013, though Musk denies any close relationship with the disgraced financier.
The documents, part of a broader release related to investigations into Epstein, include 16 emails between Musk and Epstein over more than a year. The exchanges indicate that Musk asked about visiting Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean and inquired about holiday gatherings there.
“What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” Musk wrote to Epstein in November 2012. In December 2013, Musk asked, “Will be in the BVI/St Bart’s area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit?” The emails also show Musk discussing logistics for possible visits and responding to Epstein’s offers of helicopter transport.
On Saturday, Musk acknowledged that the emails were genuine but denied any wrongdoing. He said he “had very little correspondence” with Epstein, “declined repeated invitations to go to his island or fly on his ‘Lolita Express,’” and warned that some emails could be “misinterpreted” to smear his name. Musk added that he had pushed for the release of Epstein’s files.
Epstein’s Caribbean property, Little Saint James, became infamous as the site of extensive sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls. Epstein had been convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution, including from a minor, and was later arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges.
The email exchanges also touch on Musk’s professional work. In September 2012, Epstein requested Musk’s help in electrifying his Caribbean island or his New Mexico ranch using solar power, reflecting Musk’s role as chairman of SolarCity at the time. Musk appears to have declined that request.
Other emails show plans that did not materialize. In January 2013, Musk wrote that “logistics won’t work this time around” for a visit, and by the end of December 2013, Epstein canceled a proposed trip, citing his New York schedule. One email from February 2013 references Epstein sending thanks for a SpaceX tour, though Musk has said Epstein never toured the facility.
While the emails reveal repeated discussions about visits and social plans, there is no evidence that Musk engaged in any illegal activity or improper conduct. Experts caution that the exchanges primarily demonstrate curiosity or social interest rather than a close personal or criminal connection.
The release adds to the extensive public record surrounding Epstein and his high-profile contacts, highlighting how widely his network extended before his crimes were fully exposed. Musk’s responses underscore his longstanding position that he had minimal involvement with Epstein and repeatedly declined invitations to travel to the island.
