Stephen Hawking seen sipping drinks with bikini-clad women in Epstein files; what did family clarify?

Viral Photo of Stephen Hawking Between Two Women Explained by Family

A recently surfaced photograph from the Jeffrey Epstein files shows late astrophysicist Stephen Hawking laughing between two bikini-clad women. The image, which went viral, prompted his family to clarify that the women were his long-term carers.

Hawking is seen reclining on a blue lounge chair, smiling, and holding a red, fruit-garnished cocktail, in what appears to be a poolside or resort setting. The photograph is believed to have been taken in 2006 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in St Thomas, where Hawking delivered a speech on quantum cosmology during a science symposium.

Family denies inappropriate conduct

A representative of Hawking’s family told the UK’s Daily Mail, “Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct on his part is wrong and far-fetched in the extreme.” They confirmed that the women were “long-term carers from the UK,” attending to Hawking due to his dependence on round-the-clock medical care for motor neurone disease (ALS).

“Professor Hawking made some of the greatest contributions to physics in the 20th century while at the same time being the longest-known survivor of motor neurone disease, a debilitating condition which left him reliant on a ventilator, voice synthesiser, wheelchair and round-the-clock medical care,” the statement added.

Hawking’s appearance at Epstein-Linked events

Hawking attended the 2006 symposium, titled “Energy of Empty Space That Isn’t Zero,” alongside 20 other prominent scientists. The event included trips to St Thomas and Jeffrey Epstein’s Little Saint James Island. While Hawking’s name appears multiple times in the released Epstein files, the documents do not indicate any wrongdoing on his part.

During the visit, other images show Hawking at a barbecue and on a submarine trip adapted for his disability. Epstein had arranged modifications to allow him to participate fully despite his physical limitations.

False allegations addressed

The files also reference Hawking in connection with accusations by Epstein’s accuser, Virginia Giuffre, claiming he participated in an “underage orgy” in the Virgin Islands. Epstein reportedly offered a reward to anyone disproving these claims. Hawking was never accused of any crimes, and the family emphasized that these allegations are false.

Personal life and legacy

Hawking, who passed away in March 2018 at age 76, battled early-onset ALS for over 50 years. Despite his condition, he made groundbreaking contributions to cosmology, including research on black holes and general relativity.

His personal life included two marriages. He first married Jane Hawking, with whom he had three children, and later married his nurse Elaine Mason. The physicist’s relationships and family life were widely documented, including in his memoir My Brief History and the film The Theory of Everything.

Renowned for his humor and curiosity, Hawking once told a reporter, “Women… They are a complete mystery,” reflecting his lighthearted view of life beyond his scientific achievements.