A 2013 email exchange between the British billionaire Richard Branson and Jeffrey Epstein suggests that the two had a warm, familiar relationship, built at least in part around their interest in women.
In an email on Sept. 11, 2013, Mr. Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, wrote to Mr. Epstein, “It was really nice seeing you yesterday.” He added: “Any time you’re in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!”
Representatives for the Virgin Group did not immediately return a request for comment.
Mr. Epstein and Mr. Branson were known to have a relationship: On a credenza at his Upper East Side townhouse, Mr. Epstein displayed a framed photo of himself with Mr. Branson, alongside photos with other notable figures, including President Trump, Elon Musk and former President Bill Clinton, as well as a framed dollar bill signed by Bill Gates, the billionaire founder of Microsoft.
In the same email, Mr. Branson also suggested that Mr. Gates would be willing to vouch for Mr. Epstein, who in 2008 had pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor and was required to register as a sex offender.
“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 17 ½ 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,” Mr. Branson wrote.
A spokeswoman for Mr. Gates said that he never offered such a recommendation of Mr. Epstein.
Coral Davenport covers energy and environment policy, with a focus on climate change, for The Times.
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