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Published 17:24 16 Feb 2026 GMT
Newly released documents tied to federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein are once again drawing intense public attention.
The latest batch of materials includes emails, images and correspondence that have circulated online.
Although none of the individuals identified in the newly disclosed records are accused of misconduct in these documents, the revelations have revived longstanding questions about Epstein’s efforts to cultivate relationships with some of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful figures.
At the center of the renewed focus is a list of 11 billionaires whose names appear in the files.
The documents reference a group of ultra wealthy figures from technology, finance, retail and media, reflecting the wide range of Epstein’s social and professional outreach.
Among them is Bill Gates, whose name appears in emails and scheduling records documenting multiple meetings with Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
Gates has acknowledged that maintaining contact was a mistake and has said their discussions involved philanthropy funding. There are no allegations of criminal conduct.
Les Wexner, the retail magnate whose finances Epstein managed for years, is also named. Wexner granted Epstein extensive power of attorney before later severing ties.
He has said Epstein misappropriated funds and publicly condemned him, adding that he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes at the time.
Leon Black is included as well, having paid Epstein tens of millions of dollars for tax and estate planning services. Black has described those payments as a serious lapse in judgment, and an independent review found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
Richard Branson appears in connection with social events and interactions where Epstein was present. Branson has said he cut off contact and denies any involvement in illegal activity.
Sergey Brin is referenced in contact or social records associated with Epstein’s network. There are no allegations of misconduct and no indication of a close relationship.
Steve Tisch is cited in documents tied to social gatherings and circles in which Epstein moved. No accusations of illegal behavior are connected to his name.
Elon Musk is listed in Epstein’s contact materials. Musk has said he never visited Epstein’s properties and ended contact.
Mortimer Zuckerman is identified in records reflecting Epstein’s links to wealthy and influential individuals. There are no criminal allegations involving him.
Ariane de Rothschild is mentioned in documents connected to Epstein’s attempts to build relationships within elite financial circles. There are no allegations of misconduct.
Howard Lutnick is referenced in network or contact materials associated with Epstein. He faces no accusations of criminal behavior.
Peter Thiel is also named in records that reflect Epstein’s outreach to leaders in technology and finance. There are no allegations of wrongdoing tied to him.
Beyond the billionaire list, one of the most talked-about items in the newly circulated files is a photograph that Epstein emailed to himself on August 3, 2015.
The image shows a small group seated at a long table in a dimly lit room, facing someone positioned outside the frame. Epstein does not appear in the shot, though it is believed he may have taken the picture.
A guest list sent on August 1 ahead of the gathering included Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, along with Tesla and SpaceX leader Elon Musk.
According to that list, both Zuckerberg and Musk were seated at the table. Also invited were PayPal co founder Peter Thiel, LinkedIn co founder Reid Hoffman and former MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito, though not every person named appears in the photograph itself.
In a separate email dated 20 August to billionaire Thomas Pritzker, Epstein characterized the evening as "wild" and wrote that he "had dinner with zuckerburg, mu=k, thiel hoffman".
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