New Files Detail Musk-Epstein Emails on Island Visits and SpaceX Tour

Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein traded emails from 2012 to 2014 about social visits, including plans for Musk to go to Epstein's private island in the Caribbean and for Epstein to tour SpaceX in California. The messages, part of files released by the U.S. Justice Department, show back-and-forth on dates, travel, and events, though no proof exists that Musk ever set foot on the island. Epstein, who died in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges, had been convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor.

Background

Jeffrey Epstein built a wide network of rich and powerful people in finance, tech, and politics. His private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands became known as a spot for gatherings that drew scrutiny after his arrests. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 before his trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Elon Musk runs Tesla, SpaceX, and X, companies that shape cars, space travel, and social media. Back in 2012 and 2013, Musk was growing Tesla and launching rockets with SpaceX. He was married to Talulah Riley at the time, and the couple traveled in the Caribbean area during holidays.

The emails surfaced in a large release of documents from the federal probe into Epstein. These files include millions of pages with logs, calendars, and messages from Epstein's circle. Earlier releases in 2025 from a House committee mentioned Musk in passing, but these new ones give full email threads.

Epstein's assistants, like Lesley Groff, handled much of the scheduling. She sent calendars and confirmed plans. The contacts started after Epstein's 2008 plea deal but before his bigger legal problems.

Key Details

Island Visit Plans

The emails began in September 2012. Epstein wrote to Musk: "If you find some time, come visit me on my island in the caribbean. bring your friend or friends. i will be there most of nov and dec."

Musk replied the same day: "Sounds good, will try to make it."

Talk turned to specifics. In October, Musk said he and Talulah would be in the Caribbean at year's end and figured Epstein would be on the island. Epstein confirmed and offered a helicopter from St. Barts, 45 minutes away.

On November 2, Musk asked: "What’s a good time to come over between Dec 23 and 30?" Epstein said after Christmas, any sunny day. Musk picked December 28, 29, or 30.

Musk also asked about parties. On December 25, 2012, he wrote: "Do you have any parties planned? I’ve been working to the edge of sanity this year and so, once my kids head home after Christmas, I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose."

Epstein suggested St. Barts instead, noting the "ratio on my island might make Talilah uncomfortable." Musk said, "ratio is not a problem for Talulah."

In December 2013, Musk emailed again: "We'll be in the BVI St. Barts area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit?" Epstein said any day from January 1 to 8, "always space for you."

Musk followed up: "When should we head to your island on the 2nd?" Epstein picked January 2 or 3 and said he would come get them. Days later, Epstein canceled for work in New York. He wrote, "I was really looking forward to finally spending some time together with just fun as the agenda."

Epstein's calendars back this up. One from December 2014 notes: "Elon Musk to island Dec. 6 (is this still happening?)." Logs from January 2013 mention a lunch with Musk.

SpaceX Visit

In late February 2013, Epstein went to SpaceX. On February 22, Groff emailed Musk the passports of three women, saying, "Jeffrey will have his ID with him."

The next day, she confirmed: "Jeffrey Epstein and 3 of his assistants are in CA and going to visit SpaceX at 1:00 today, Monday Feb 25th."

On February 26, Epstein thanked Musk: "You would have had fun at xmas." Musk replied, "I see," with a smiley face.

Other messages show Epstein congratulating Musk on rocket launches. There are notes of a possible lunch at SpaceX, set by Groff.

"Sounds good, will try to make it." – Elon Musk, emailing Jeffrey Epstein on September 25, 2012

What This Means

These files paint a picture of ongoing contact between Musk and Epstein over two years. The tone in the emails is casual and friendly, with plans for travel and meetings. Musk has said in the past that Epstein was a creep who pushed invites he turned down. He has used Epstein's name to call out others, like Bill Gates, for their own ties.

No documents show Musk went to the island or took part in any crimes. The visits and plans did not all happen—cancellations came up, and some dates stayed vague. But the details challenge claims of no real connection.

The release adds to questions about who stayed in touch with Epstein after his 2008 conviction. It shows how his network reached into tech and business leaders. Musk's companies keep growing, with Tesla in electric cars and SpaceX in government contracts. Any past links could affect views on those ties.

Lawyers and investigators still comb through Epstein's files. More names may surface as the documents get reviewed. For Musk, this means handling questions on old emails while running his businesses. The public watches for what else comes out.