The side of the Microsoft co-founder proceeded to categorically deny the claims contained in his recently released files. A spokesman for the billionaire called the allegations “absolutely absurd and completely false”, attributing them to an orchestrated defamation effort.
The emails in question
The documents released by the Department of Justice include two emails dated July 18, 2013. However, technical analysis shows that the messages were sent from Epstein’s account to himself, while no account directly linked to Mr Gates appears.
The contents of the messages, which are unsigned, include:
Drug Supply Claims: In what appears to be a resignation letter from the “Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,” Epstein claims to have provided Mr. Gates with medication to treat a sexually transmitted disease following the latter’s contacts with Russian nationals.
Allegations of ethical wrongdoing: In a second message, Epstein blasts Mr Gates for ending their decades-long friendship, claiming the billionaire abandoned him to protect his public image. At the same time, he leaves hints of his involvement in “morally questionable” or even “illegal” activities.
The Gates Foundation’s response
“These allegations come from a proven disgruntled liar,” a spokesperson for the Foundation told the BBC. Mr. Gates’ side argues that the documents are evidence of Epstein’s frustration at failing to establish a solid relationship with the businessman, and show the means he was willing to use to trap him.
According to analysts, the messages were written at a time when Epstein had failed to broker a partnership between the Gates Foundation and the JPMorgan Chase bank, a development that deprived him of significant expected income.
The history of the relationship
Bill Gates has admitted in an earlier interview with Anderson Cooper (CNN) that his contact with Epstein was a “huge mistake”. Their relationship, which began in 2011 — after Epstein’s first conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution — was reportedly one of the aggravating factors that led Melinda Gates to file for divorce.
Mr Gates has repeatedly maintained that his meetings with the notorious financier were limited to dinners for the sole purpose of soliciting donations for charity, denying any other involvement.
The FBI reports on Donald Trump
The documents also include a summary of information the FBI received about Donald Trump and his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The summary contains allegations of sexual abuse, but the Justice Department has clarified that the information lacks evidence and may be fabricated or fabricated.
The White House, in a related announcement, referred to the Justice Department’s statement indicating that certain allegations were submitted to the FBI before the 2020 election and are deemed not credible. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch said there was no material in those files that would justify new criminal charges.
Musk wanted Epstein’s island back
Elon Musk emailed Jeffrey Epstein in late 2013 to coordinate a trip to the latter’s Caribbean island, according to documents released by the Justice Department on Friday, Jan. 30. All of this has occurred since Epstein’s first allegations and convictions, as is clear from his chronology of action.
Musk had previously claimed he rebuffed the convicted drug-trafficking businessman’s attempts to get him to visit one of Epstein’s two islands – Great St. James and Little St. James – in the US Virgin Islands, near the British Virgin Islands. Little St. James was the focus of Epstein’s decade-long abuse of girls and young women as reported by CNN.
On December 13, 2013, Musk emailed Epstein: “I will be in the British Virgin Islands/St Bart’s area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit you?’ Epstein responded two days later and said the start of the new year would be good, adding: “there’s always room for you.” On Christmas Day, Epstein said in another email: “2nd or 3rd would be perfect. I’ll come get you.”
The exchange of messages shows Musk offering to visit him while in the British Virgin Islands, to which Epstein replied: “I’ll send you a helicopter.”
The British Virgin Islands are about 15 miles from Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James. Musk has previously stated that he never had any contact with Epstein.
Contacts with Wall Street executives exposed
Of particular interest is evidence of Epstein’s relationship with Kathryn Rumler, former White House counsel and current Goldman Sachs general counsel. The messages reveal a more personal correspondence than was initially presented as strictly business.
A spokesperson for Goldman Sachs commented on the release of the documents stating: “It is widely known that Epstein routinely offered unsolicited favors and gifts to his business associates as part of his efforts to cultivate influence.”
Technical issues with publishing
Online access to the documents through the Justice Department’s website was temporarily suspended on Friday due to “systems overload,” it said. The operation was restored a few hours later, allowing full access to the archive material numbering millions of pages.
