Richard Branson: Defending Epstein's "Penchant for Women"
Billionaire Richard Branson sent a 2013 email to Epstein saying he'd love to meet again "As long as you bring your harem!" Branson also appeared to draft public relations advice for how Bill Gates could defend associating with Epstein, suggesting Gates could say Epstein "slipped up many years ago by sleeping with a 17 ½ year old woman" and as a single man "seem to have a penchant for women. But there's nothing wrong with that." A Virgin Group spokesperson clarified that "harem" was Epstein's own term and that Branson believed Epstein's conviction involved a consensual relationship with a woman "one day shy of 18." Branson has not been accused of wrongdoing.
Important Disclaimer: Being referenced in these documents does not imply guilt or criminal conduct. Many documents contain unverified claims, secondhand allegations, and tip line submissions. All individuals discussed above have denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and the DOJ has stated the files "may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos." These references are from publicly available records released by the U.S. Department of Justice.