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A recently unveiled photograph from the Epstein files captures a 2015 dinner that brought together some of Silicon Valley’s most influential leaders, with Jeffrey Epstein later describing the event as “wild.”
Released by the U.S. Department of Justice, the image depicts Facebook’s founder Mark Zuckerberg dining alongside SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel.
This photograph was sent by Epstein to himself on August 3, 2015, just a day after he boasted about attending an exclusive dinner with these prominent tech figures.
Epstein also displayed a framed copy of this photograph in his Manhattan apartment.
According to emails included in the files, the dinner took place on August 2, 2015. That evening, Epstein emailed author and physician Peter Attia, inquiring about his whereabouts and mentioning, “I might be in LA Monday, Burbank to look at the interior of the other BBJ, tonight dinner with Musk, [Palantir boss Peter] Thiel, Zuckerberg.”
Attia replied enthusiastically: ‘Sounds like an awesome dinner.’
Epstein later described the gathering in an August 20, 2015 email to billionaire Tom Pritzker as ‘wild’, a description that has resurfaced as scrutiny intensifies around the financier’s relationships with powerful figures.
Those named have since moved to downplay any connection to Epstein, whose social circle has been laid bare through the Justice Department’s release of more than three million documents relating to the disgraced financier. Appearing in the photographs released in the Epstein documents is not evidence of any wrongdoing.Â
The image, released by the US Department of Justice, shows Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg seated at a dinner table alongside SpaceX boss Elon Musk and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel
Epstein also had a framed copy of the image on display in his house in his Manhattan apartment (white frame, second from back)Â
Musk, now the world’s richest man, features repeatedly in the files, including in earlier email exchanges that suggest a friendly rapport between the two years before the 2015 dinner.
On November 25, 2012, Musk emailed Epstein asking: ‘What day/night will be the wildest party on =our (sic) island?’ He added: ‘Probably just Talulah and me,’ referencing British actress Talulah Riley, his ex-wife.
The message came in response to an email Epstein had sent the previous day asking: ‘How many people will you be for the heli to island?’ At the time, Epstein had already been convicted of sex crimes against minors in Florida.
Then in December 2013, Musk again contacted Epstein to coordinate a possible visit to the financier’s Caribbean island.
‘Will be in the BVI/St Bart’s area over the holidays,’ Musk wrote. ‘Is there a good time to visit?’
Epstein replied that the start of the new year would be ideal, telling Musk there was ‘always space for you.’ The pair exchanged further messages on Christmas Day, with Epstein writing: ‘the 2 or 3 would be perfect. I will come and get you.’
Musk is pictured with his ex-wife, British actress Talulah Riley, in 2013
Musk responded that he would need to return to Los Angeles on January 2, 2013, before suggesting flexibility and concluding: ‘When should we head to your island on the 2nd?’
It remains unclear whether Musk ever made the trip, but the emails indicate a cordial relationship between the two men.
Despite the revelations, Musk has repeatedly denied being close to Epstein. In a Vanity Fair interview, he said: ‘I don’t recall introducing Epstein to anyone, as I don’t know the guy well enough to do so, Epstein is obviously a creep and Zuckerberg is not a friend of mine.’
He also took to X on January 31 to reject claims he attended Epstein’s gatherings, writing: ‘I have never been to any Epstein parties ever and have many times call [sic] for the prosecution of those who have committed crimes with Epstein.’