Breaking down some boldface names in the Epstein files

The major headlines from the latest dump of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein focus on President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Elon Musk and the former Prince Andrew, among others. And rightly so. Those names are sprinkled throughout the documents.

Epstein’s alleged victims, meanwhile, were horrified that the Department of Justice posted unredacted nude images before taking them down, according to reporting that first appeared in The New York Times.

The overdue saga of releasing files related to the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will continue. Millions of files have now been released; more are expected.

There are many boldface names sprinkled throughout the millions of documents released so far. Some mentions seem to contradict previous statements, such as Elon Musk’s apparent desire in an email to attend a “wild” party on Epstein’s island. Musk denies ever going to the island or attending such a party.

There are countless awkward revelations in the files, including Martha Stewart trying to get Epstein’s cell phone number and Katie Couric commending a “ROCKIN” lasagna she had at his party. The crown princess of Norway offered some strange comments about infidelity. The celebrity doctor Peter Attia made crass jokes. New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch was apparently in pursuit of women.

These are some of the glimpses of the rarefied air in which Epstein traveled, even after the controversial 2008 plea deal in which he was convicted on charges related to the solicitation of a minor.

The inclusion of a person’s name in the file release does not indicate they participated in or were aware of Epstein’s crimes, although most of the exchanges below occurred after his initial conviction.

Bill Gates is the subject of salacious draft messages

The long relationship between Gates and Epstein is well documented. The latest document release only raises new questions. It’s not clear who wrote what look to be draft messages from 2013 saved in Epstein’s email account. But they appear to document, in stream-of-consciousness style, feelings of betrayal aimed at the Microsoft co-founder. The drafts mention marital discord between Gates and his then-wife Melinda. There is discussion of business deals, the idea of Gates having concerns about a sexually transmitted disease, and soured business ventures. The draft message expresses concern that a public divorce between Bill and Melinda Gates would hurt their foundation. Later, that divorce would be a yearslong process.

Bill and Melinda Gates smile at each other during an interview in Kirkland, Washington on February 1, 2019. Elaine Thompson/AP

“These claims — from a proven, disgruntled liar — are absolutely absurd and completely false.