Epstein files: Bombshells you might have missed – Fergie’s proposal, ‘wild’ dinner, and Russian model
Jeffrey Epstein had many relationships with powerful and influential people around the world, some now seeing his reputation tarnished due to his close ties to the sex offender.
The latest batch of Epstein files exposed the scandalous billionaire’s ties to the rich and powerful, leaving some embarrassed and others resigned in shame – here are seven of the biggest bombshells you probably didn’t see coming.
The Justice Department announced just a week ago that it had declassified millions of Jeffrey Epstein documents. Uncomfortable details and photos have since emerged, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg having dinner with Epstein, as well as connections between the billionaire and members of the Donald Trump administration.
The scandal has also affected Britain and Europe. Epstein’s friend Peter Mandelson has resigned from the House of Lords as questions remain over the investigation after it emerged he leaked information to a convicted sex offender.
Below are all the revelations you might have missed in the latest Epstein Files release
Read more: Andrew and Fergie face fresh humiliation as new photos from the Epstein files emerge in the latest batch. Read more: Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigns after Mandelson scandal
Musk and Zuckerberg’s ‘wild’ dinner
Musk and Zuckerberg attended a dinner in California.
Epstein emailed himself a photo of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg after boasting about a “wild” dinner with the tech billionaire pair. The picture shows Musk and Zuckerberg sitting alongside several other individuals.
Epstein texted himself this photo on Monday, August 3, 2015, a day after he met with tech chiefs for a lavish California dinner.
“Where are you?” On August 2, 2015, Epstein asked author Peter Attia, “Where are you?” “I might be in LA, Burbank, on Monday to see the interior of the second BBJ, Tonight’s Dinner with Musk.” [Palantir boss Peter] Thiel, Zuckerberg.” Attia later responded: “Sounds like a wonderful dinner.”
In another email on August 20, 2015, Epstein confirmed to American businessman Tom Pritzker that the dinner had taken place. “I had dinner with Zuckerberg, Musk, Thiel, and Hoffman. Wild,” he said.
Peter Mandelson’s Pauly Epstein Message
Mandelson allegedly leaked government information to Epstein (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Explosive emails from the Epstein files have led to Peter Mandelson, a key architect of New Labour, being ousted from his position in the House of Lords and have prompted police to investigate Britain’s former ambassador to the US.
His downfall came when emails allegedly revealed that Mandelson had leaked internal government information to Epstein when he was business secretary under Gordon Brown. Details include the EU bailout in the wake of the 2008 financial crash.
Such confidential information could have helped bankers earn millions. Epstein, who served a prison sentence after pleading guilty to child sex crimes in 2008, also provides financial advice to Mandelson. In June 2011 he wrote: “If I want to buy this house, which I do, I have to borrow $4 million from the bank at 3 per cent interest. Do you think that’s OK?”
Epstein responded by saying that he was willing to find a deal for her.
Andrew’s escape to New York
Andrew visits Epstein in New York (Image: AP)
The disgraced former Duke of York once claimed that he travelled to New York in December 2010 to end his friendship with Epstein. He asserted that his decision to end his friendship with Epstein was “the right thing to do,” arguing that a simple phone call would have been more appropriate.
Andrew denied being the “guest of honour” at the party celebrating Epstein’s release and instead told journalist Emily Maitlis that there was only a “small dinner party.” But newly released emails in the latest Epstein files reveal that Andrew stayed at the sex offender’s mansion for nine days, during which “girls came over after school,” which may refer to university or college students.
Andrew previously claimed that he saw Epstein three times during his stay. It emerged that Epstein and his assistant also arranged for two people “to show the Duke’s face at one o’clock tomorrow”.
He emailed another businessman, bragging that Andrew was stopping by and asked if he wanted to have breakfast with him. He has consistently denied all the allegations against him.
Norway royal breaks silence on Epstein ties
Princess Mette-Marit apologises for her friendship with Epstein (Image: NTB/AFP via Getty Images)
Norway’s Crown Princess has issued a lengthy apology for her friendship with a convicted sex offender. Princess Mette-Marit, married to the heir to the throne of Norway, was implicated in the latest release of the Epstein Files.
Years of friendship are evident in the messages sent between the princess and Epstein. The Norwegian Royal Family said in a statement, “I want to express my deep regret for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important for me to apologise to all of you that I have disappointed.”
“Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologise for the position in which I have put the royal family, particularly the King and Queen.”
Epstein visits Buckingham Palace with Russian model
Epstein visits Buckingham Palace (Image: New York State Sex Offender Reggie)
Embarrassing emails revealed that shamed Andrew had invited Epstein and an “attractive” Russian model to Buckingham Palace. The former Duke of York exchanged friendly messages with a convicted child sex offender, mentioning that Buckingham Palace could serve as an ideal location for dinner – considering its “privacy”.
“I am departing now and should reach Scotland by 1800 (6pm),” Andrew said in an email to Epstein on 27 September 2010. “If you could give me a number to call, I would come down and call you. Alternatively, we could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and have plenty of privacy.”
Epstein replied, “Already in London, what time would you like me and [redacted]? We will also need personal time.” The report described the billionaire’s guest as “charming” and a “great friend”.
The messages were sent two months before Andrew left for New York.
Fresh humiliation for Andrew and Fergie
Fergie and Andrew appear in Epstein Files photo (Image: Liverpool Echo)
In a new photo of Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, the pair appear to be getting cosy with each other. The snap showed the two smiling for the camera while accompanied by another man.
The former Duke and Duchess of York hovered over a candlelit cake surrounded by leaflets and documents relating to the Star Fund organisation. It is unclear when the photograph was taken or what occasion was being celebrated. It is also not clear who took the photo of the couple and the person accompanying them at that time.
This image is the latest revelation related to Andrew and Fergie to emerge from the latest Epstein files dump. Both have seen their reputations tarnished as more documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein come to light.
Fergie proposes to Epstein
Fergie emailed Epstein multiple times (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
Recently released emails between Fergie and the convicted sex offender appear to be largely desperate, including repeated requests for money, a jokey marriage proposal and flattering words that reflect the troubling nature of their friendship.
Fergie praised Epstein in an email sent six months after his release from prison, saying, “You are a legend. I really don’t have words to describe, my love, my gratitude for your generosity and kindness. xx I am at your service. Just marry me.”
Fergie has yet to speak on the emails released in the latest dump, but her spokesperson said last year: “The Duchess expressed regret about her relationship with Epstein many years ago, and as she has always been, her first thoughts are with his victims. Like many people, she was caught in his lies.”
He also claimed, “As soon as she learnt of the extent of the allegations against him, he not only cut off contact but also publicly denounced her, to the extent that he then threatened to sue her for defamation for linking her to paedophilia.”
