Branson Emails Reveal 'Harem' Remark and PR Guidance to Epstein
Newly disclosed correspondence from the Epstein files has unveiled email exchanges between Sir Richard Branson and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The messages, dating back to 2013, include a comment from the Virgin founder inviting Epstein to visit again, but with a notable condition.
Email Exchange Details and Controversial Language
In an email from September 2013, Sir Richard Branson expressed that it was "really nice seeing you" to Epstein and welcomed a future visit, adding the phrase: "as long as you bring your harem!" This remark has sparked attention due to its implications and the context of Epstein's known activities.
Representatives for Sir Richard have stated that he would never have used such terminology if he had been fully aware of the facts surrounding Epstein at the time. They emphasise that his understanding of Epstein's actions was incomplete during these communications.
Public Relations Advice Offered by Branson
The email exchange also reveals that Epstein sought Sir Richard's "thoughts" on a public relations matter, apparently following a visit the previous day. In response, Branson provided detailed advice on how Epstein might address his past legal issues.
He suggested that Epstein could have Bill Gates publicly acknowledge him as a brilliant advisor, while admitting to a past mistake of sleeping with a 17-and-a-half-year-old woman, for which he was punished. Branson advised framing it as a lesson learned, with no further law-breaking, and noting Epstein's preference for women as a single man, adding "there's nothing wrong with that."
Background on Meetings and Island Visits
Earlier emails from April 2013 discuss plans for Epstein to visit Sir Richard's private island, Necker. Correspondence includes inquiries about bringing associates, such as Boris Nikolic, linked to Bill Gates, and mentions of "2 Russian girls" in Epstein's entourage.
Sir Richard's team acknowledges Epstein's presence at two brief business meetings on Necker Island in April and September 2013. They claim both meetings were organised by an unnamed American entrepreneur. During the second meeting, Epstein arrived via the entrepreneur's helicopter with three adult women, who did not attend the business discussion but socialised with a sports team on the island. Epstein later referred to these women as his "harem."
Epstein's Disclosure and Branson's Stance
According to Sir Richard's representatives, Epstein mentioned during their interaction that he had served prison time for a consensual relationship with someone nearly 18 years old and sought public relations advice on the matter.
A Virgin Group spokesperson clarified the extent of contact, stating: "Any contact Richard and Joan Branson had with Epstein took place on only a few occasions more than twelve years ago, and was limited to group or business settings, such as a charity tennis event."
The spokesperson added that due diligence uncovered serious allegations when Epstein offered a charity donation, leading Virgin Unite to reject the donation and the Bransons to cease all contact. They asserted that with full information, there would have been no interaction, and Sir Richard condemns Epstein's actions as abhorrent, supporting justice for victims.
These emails highlight the complexities of historical associations and the retrospective scrutiny applied to figures linked to Epstein, underscoring the importance of context in understanding past communications.
