Elon Musk insists he never boarded the ‘Lolita Express’ after Epstein emails surface: Full narrative in 5 points

Elon Musk, one of the world’s most influential technology entrepreneurs, is again under intense public scrutiny following the release of a fresh batch of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. On Friday, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) made public thousands of pages from the so-called ‘Epstein files’, which included emails indicating that Musk had discussed potential travel to Epstein’s private Caribbean island on two occasions.

At face value, the correspondence suggests a friendly tone between Musk and Epstein during 2012 and 2013, immediately triggering widespread online debate and renewed allegations. Critics have sought to place Musk alongside other high-profile figures mentioned in the Epstein documents. However, Musk has firmly rejected what he calls a “deliberate misreading” of the emails.

The Tesla CEO has acknowledged the existence of the correspondence but downplayed its significance, describing it as “very little correspondence.” According to Musk, the emails have been taken out of context and do not reflect any real-world association or wrongdoing.

On Sunday night, Musk posted a detailed response on X (formerly Twitter), reiterating his denial. He stressed that apart from email exchanges, he had no involvement with Epstein and that the trips discussed in the messages never materialised. “I knew that I would be smeared relentlessly, despite never having attended his parties or been on his Lolita Express plane or set foot on his creepy island or done anything wrong at all,” Musk wrote, pinning the post to his profile. So what exactly do the documents reveal? Here is the full story so far, broken down into five key points.

Point 1: Elon Musk’s first proposed visit to Epstein Island

The newly released records include emails exchanged between Musk and Epstein in 2012 and 2013, now part of a cache exceeding three million pages. These emails reference possible visits to Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, located in the Caribbean.

In a November 2012 email, Epstein asked Musk how many people would be visiting the island. Musk reportedly replied, “Probably just Talulah and me,” seemingly referring to his then-wife, British actress Talulah Riley. The documents also suggest Musk discussed the idea of hosting what he jokingly referred to as the island’s “wildest party,” asking Epstein, “What day (or) night will be the wildest party on your island?”

Epstein responded in a follow-up email dated December 25, stating, “Understood, I will see you on St. Barth, the ratio on my island might make Talulah uncomfortable.” While Epstein did not clarify what “ratio” meant, it has been widely interpreted as a reference to the gender balance at gatherings on the island. Musk replied, “Ratio is not a problem for Talulah,” according to the documents.

Point 2: The second, unsuccessful attempt to plan a visit

The emails further indicate that Musk may have explored a second possible visit in December 2013. In one message, Musk reportedly told Epstein that he would be in the British Virgin Islands or St. Barth’s region over the holidays and asked when it would be a good time to visit.

Epstein responded that he was available to host Musk between the first and eighth of the month, adding that there was “always room” for him. However, this proposed meeting also appears to have fallen through.

In a later message, Epstein cited scheduling constraints, explaining that he would need to remain in New York. “Unfortunately, my schedule will keep me in New York,” Epstein wrote, adding that he was disappointed they could not spend time together and hoped to plan something in the future. There is no evidence that any visit ever took place.

Point 3: Musk accuses media and political actors of targeting him

Responding to the renewed attention, Musk has aggressively pushed back against media reports linking him to Epstein. On X, he claimed he has been one of the strongest advocates for full transparency and the complete release of Epstein-related documents.

In a strongly worded post, Musk argued that the backlash was predictable. “Nobody has fought harder for full release of the Epstein files and prosecutions of those who abused children more than I did,” he wrote, adding that he expected “legacy media” and “far-left propagandists” to respond by denying facts, deflecting blame, and launching counter-accusations.

Point 4: Musk insists he never travelled with Epstein

The SpaceX founder has repeatedly emphasised that he never met Epstein socially, never attended his parties, and never travelled aboard Epstein’s private jet, infamously known as the ‘Lolita Express’.

“Even though I had never gone to his parties, been on his ‘Lolita Express’ plane, visited his eerie island, or done anything wrong at all, I knew that I would be relentlessly smeared,” Musk stated. The ‘Lolita Express’ was the private aircraft Epstein allegedly used to transport guests to and from his island.

Musk has also denied any relationship with Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Addressing a widely circulated photograph of the two together, Musk previously claimed Maxwell had “photobombed” him at a Vanity Fair event. Responding to renewed speculation online, he again wrote simply, “This is false.”

Point 5: ‘The pain is worth it,’ Musk says

Musk has framed the controversy as a personal cost he is willing to bear if it contributes to accountability and justice for victims. He said the emotional toll of the accusations is immense but believes enduring it is worthwhile if it helps expose wrongdoing.

“I will gladly accept any amount of future pain to do more to protect kids and give them a chance to grow up and have happy lives,” Musk said, arguing that those with power have a responsibility to defend those who cannot protect themselves.

The controversy has also spilled into Musk’s personal life, with references circulating online to posts made by his eldest daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, on Threads. Meanwhile, Musk has not hesitated to criticise others named in Epstein-related reporting. In a separate remark, he took aim at Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, asking, “Who does Bill Gates think he is to make comments about the welfare of children given that he frequented Jeffrey Epstein?”

As scrutiny over the Epstein files continues, Musk maintains that the documents ultimately prove one thing: that email exchanges alone do not equate to actions, and that he never crossed the line from digital correspondence to real-world involvement.