By Trendsetter Tribune 
Newly released Epstein files from the U.S. Department of Justice are drawing fresh attention to a 2013 email exchange between Richard Branson and Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, part of a massive three-million-page release, show the Virgin Group founder speaking warmly with Epstein and offering public relations advice years after the financier’s conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution.
In an email dated September 11, 2013, Branson wrote that it had been “really nice” seeing Epstein and joked that he should “bring his harem” the next time they met. The message took place five years after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 for soliciting and procuring a minor. The exchange also included Branson suggesting what Epstein might say publicly to reduce scrutiny tied to his conviction.
Branson’s email proposed that having someone as prominent as Bill Gates describe Epstein as a “brilliant advisor” could help soften public perception, while framing Epstein’s crime as a singular mistake from years earlier. Gates has denied ever vouching for Epstein in this manner.
A spokesperson for the Virgin Group stressed that Branson’s use of the word “harem” referred to three adult employees who were part of Epstein’s entourage during the visit. They added that Branson would never have used such language had he known the full scope of Epstein’s offenses. The spokesperson said the relationship between the two men was minimal, limited to a few group settings more than a decade ago, including a charity tennis event.
According to Virgin Group, Branson’s team conducted due diligence after Epstein offered a donation to Virgin Unite, uncovering serious allegations that prompted the organization to reject the contribution. After that, the spokesperson said the Bransons decided to cut off all contact, calling Epstein’s actions “abhorrent” and voicing support for his victims.
The email chain began with Epstein thanking Branson for his hospitality. Epstein also offered to introduce the businessman to Thorborn Jagland, the former chair of the Nobel Prize Committee, and noted that he would remain “on the island” until Christmas. Epstein and Branson owned islands in the Caribbean located near one another, and previously released files included photos of the two men smiling together at social events.
The DOJ’s massive document release also includes photos of various public figures. As with all such materials, appearing in the files does not indicate wrongdoing. Many images lack context or timestamps, and officials have stressed that the release contains raw material gathered over many years.
The newly surfaced emails add another layer to the public record surrounding Epstein’s connections to powerful figures. While the communications do not allege criminal conduct by Branson, they shed light on the degree of access Epstein maintained even after his 2008 conviction, and the social networks he continued to leverage in the years that followed.