Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has strongly denied allegations linking him to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of a massive tranche of documents by the US Department of Justice (DoJ).
The DoJ recently disclosed more than three million documents connected to Epstein, reigniting scrutiny of several high-profile individuals. Among the materials were emails that appeared to suggest past communication between Musk and Epstein, including references that Musk had allegedly shown interest in visiting Epstein's private island in 2012 and again in 2023.
Responding to the claims, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO took to X (formerly Twitter) to reject any association with Epstein and accused sections of the media and political opponents of running a smear campaign.
“Nobody has fought harder for full release of the Epstein files and prosecutions of those who abused children more than I did,” Musk wrote. He added that he was fully aware that pushing for transparency would invite attacks from what he described as “legacy media” and others who would “admit nothing, deny everything [and] make counter-accusations”.
Musk categorically denied ever attending Epstein's parties or travelling on his private jet, infamously referred to as the “Lolita Express”.
“I knew that I would be smeared relentlessly, despite never having attended his parties or been on his ‘Lolita Express' plane or set foot on his creepy island or done anything wrong at all,” Musk said.
He also expressed frustration over the continued public scrutiny, saying the accusations were deeply painful but something he was prepared to endure.
“Even though it's incredibly painful to be accused of being the opposite of who I am, it was worth it,” he added.
Musk maintained that the allegations do not reflect his values or character, reiterating his stance on protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children.
“The strong must protect those who cannot protect themselves, particularly vulnerable children,” he wrote. “I am willing to endure any future pain if it helps safeguard kids and give them a chance to grow up with happy lives.”
The latest controversy comes amid renewed public and legal focus on Epstein's network following the release of the DoJ files. While the documents contain a vast array of emails, contacts and references, their inclusion does not automatically imply wrongdoing, a point legal experts have repeatedly stressed.
Musk's response adds to a growing list of public denials from prominent figures named or referenced in the Epstein-related disclosures, as debate continues over accountability, transparency and the interpretation of the newly released records.
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