Richard Branson asked Epstein to bring his ‘harem’ to meeting

On 30 January, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) released the latest tranche of Epstein Files. As we reported, the release contained allegations Trump is ‘compromised’ by Israel, and that he raped and beat a child. Another person named and pictured in the latest release is Richard Branson, with the exposed communication proving particularly damning for the Virgin billionaire:

On Sept. 11, 2013, Richard Branson emailed Jeffrey Epstein saying it was “really nice seeing you” and added that he’d love to meet again — “as long as you bring your harem.” pic.twitter.com/MZlV60GW30

— Amber Woods @ Amber Speaks Up (@AmberWoods100) January 31, 2026

Richard Branson’s friendly advice

As revealed by the leaked email, Branson gave Epstein “public relations” advice relating to his conviction for sex crimes:

Billionaire Richard Branson to Epstein: 'any time you're in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your HAREM!'

'As a single man you seem to have a penchant for women. But there's nothing wrong with that'

RT pic.twitter.com/1n7CApwPLE

— Moh Musthafa Hussain (@musthafaaa) January 31, 2026

In the email above, Branson says:

I think if Bill Gates was willing to say that you’ve been a brilliant advisor to him, that you slipped up many years ago by sleeping with a 17½ year old woman and were punished for it, that you’ve more than learnt your lesson and have done nothing that’s against the law since and, yes, as a single man you seem to have a penchant for women. But there’s nothing wrong with that. Anyway something along those lines.

Epstein was convicted in 2008 — five years before this exchange. He was accused of worse than what Branson references, but escaped potential justice as a result of an “unprecedented” sweetheart deal. As PBS reported:

Epstein allegedly abused dozens of minors at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida. He enlisted girls to recruit other minors to his trafficking ring. And prosecutors said they seized scores of photos of fully or partially nude girls.

Epstein, who has been seen in the past as a friend of President Trump and former President Clinton, first faced other sex crime charges back in 2006 and 2007. At the time, he could have faced life in prison for allegations with underage girls. But the prosecutor in the case, Alex Acosta, now President Trump’s labor secretary, struck a more lenient deal.

Epstein served just 13 months in a county jail for these charges. A Miami Herald investigation earlier this year raised new questions about this deal and brought forward new victims.

The US Attorney’s Office wrote in 2019:

The indictment unsealed today alleges that, between 2002 through 2005, EPSTEIN sexually exploited and abused dozens of underage girls by enticing them to engage in sex acts with him in exchange for money. Epstein allegedly worked with several employees and associates to ensure that he had a steady supply of minor victims to abuse, and paid several of those victims themselves to recruit other underage girls to engage in similar sex acts for money. He committed these offenses in locations including New York, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida. EPSTEIN is expected to be presented in Manhattan federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.

While Branson may not have been aware of Epstein’s broader operation, he knew about the statutory rape of a 17-year-old, and that Epstein maintained what Branson referred to as a “harem”.

Recommendation

As noted, Branson suggested that a recommendation from Bill Gates would work in Epstein’s favour. Gates also featured in the latest Epstein Files release:

Wow. In the Epstein emails DOJ dropped, Jeffrey sent himself emails memorializing a fight he had with Bill Gates. In it he says that Bill Gates got STD’s from Russian hookers, and then asked Jeffrey for antibiotics that Bill could secretly give to Melinda without her noticing. 😳 pic.twitter.com/XNA0vNWTcI

— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) January 30, 2026

A spokesperson for Branson has said:

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

‘Joan’ was Branson’s late wife.

The spokesperson added:

When Epstein offered a charity donation, the Bransons asked their team to carry out due diligence before accepting the donation, which uncovered serious allegations. As a result of what the due diligence uncovered, Virgin Unite did not take the donation and Richard and Joan decided not to meet or speak with Epstein again.

Had they had the full picture and information, there would have been no contact whatsoever. Richard believes that Epstein’s actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims.

It’s unclear what the ‘serious allegations’ were, and why they were treated more seriously than Epstein committing statutory rape against a 17-year-old (the crime Branson acknowledged in their email exchange).

Featured image via Epstein Files