'Arrests, not file releases, are key to justice': Musk calls Epstein case response 'all performative'

Justice depends on prosecuting accomplices

Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday said justice in the Jeffrey Epstein case will only be achieved by prosecuting those who committed crimes alongside the late financier, calling the release of select Epstein-related files “performative.”

Responding to a post of support on X, Musk emphasised that what mattered was not the disclosure of “some subset of the Epstein files” but the arrest and prosecution of those involved in criminal activity with Epstein. “When there is at least one arrest, some justice will have been done. If not, this is all performative. Nothing but a distraction,” Musk wrote.

Musk’s remarks come amid renewed scrutiny following the release of US Department of Justice documents detailing his past communications with Epstein.

According to The Guardian, the documents reveal that Musk had more extensive email exchanges with Epstein than previously known, including discussions about a potential visit to Epstein’s private island, Little St James. The report noted that emails from 2012 and 2013 show Musk and Epstein communicating about travel plans to the island, although there is no evidence that any visit took place.

In one December 2013 exchange, Musk asked Epstein if there was “a good time to visit” while he was in the Caribbean. Epstein replied that there was “always space” for him.

Musk tweeted, “What matters is not release of some subset of the Epstein files, but rather the prosecution of those who committed heinous crimes with Epstein. When there is at least one arrest, some justice will have been done. If not, this is all performative. Nothing but a distraction.”

In another email dated December 13, 2013, Musk told Epstein he would be in the “BVI/St Bart’s area over the holidays” and asked if there was a “good time to visit”. Epstein responded that he was available “any day 1st–8th”, adding that there was “always space” if Musk wished to play it by ear. The pair exchanged several emails to align schedules and tentatively agreed on January 2 for the visit. However, Epstein later wrote, “Bad news — unfortunately, my schedule will keep me in New York,” noting that he hoped to plan another meeting in the future.

In an earlier exchange from November 2012, Epstein asked Musk how many people would be travelling to the island by helicopter. Musk replied it would likely be “just Talulah and me”, referring to his then-wife Talulah Riley, and inquired which day or night would host the “wildest party”. Musk added, “I’ve been working to the edge of sanity this year and so, once my kids head home after Christmas, I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose. The invitation is much appreciated, but a peaceful island experience is the opposite of what I’m looking for.”

Epstein responded, “Understood, I will see you on St Barth, the ratio on my island might make Talilah uncomfortable.” Musk replied, “Ratio is not a problem for Talulah.”

The Guardian noted that logistical issues appear to have prevented any visit, with Musk indicating in a January 2, 2013 email that the proposed trip would not take place.

Musk has repeatedly denied having ties to Epstein. In 2019, he told Vanity Fair that Epstein was “obviously a creep” and that he had declined repeated invitations to visit the island. Epstein was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges before dying in custody.