A photograph released as part of the Jeffrey Epstein files shows a 2015 dinner attended by some of Silicon Valley’s most powerful figures, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel.
The image, released by the United States Department of Justice, depicts the Facebook founder seated at a dinner table alongside the SpaceX and Tesla CEO and the PayPal co-founder. According to the documents, the photo was emailed by Epstein to himself on 3 August 2015, a day after he referenced the gathering in private correspondence.
The photograph was reportedly framed and displayed inside Epstein’s Manhattan apartment.
Emails Detail the Dinner
Emails included in the files indicate the dinner took place on 2 August 2015. That evening, Epstein wrote to author and physician Peter Attia, asking where he was before mentioning his plans.
“I might be in LA Monday… tonite dinner with Musk, Thiel, Zuckerberg,” Epstein wrote.
Attia replied: “Sounds like an awesome dinner.”
In a later email dated 20 August 2015, Epstein described the gathering as “wild” in correspondence with billionaire Tom Pritzker — a description that has resurfaced amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s relationships with influential figures.
Musk’s Prior Communications With Epstein
The files also contain earlier email exchanges suggesting a cordial relationship between Musk and Epstein years before the 2015 dinner.
In November 2012, Musk emailed Epstein asking: “What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” adding that it would “probably just Talulah and me,” referring to his then-wife, British actress Talulah Riley.
The message followed Epstein’s inquiry about helicopter arrangements to his Caribbean island. At the time, Epstein had already been convicted of sex offences involving minors in Florida.
In December 2013, Musk again contacted Epstein regarding a possible visit to the Caribbean, writing that he would be in the British Virgin Islands and St Barths over the holidays and asking if there was “a good time to visit.”
Epstein responded that there was “always space for you,” and the two exchanged messages on Christmas Day discussing potential dates. It remains unclear whether Musk ever made the trip.
Denials and Public Statements
Despite appearing repeatedly in the Epstein files, Musk has consistently denied having a close relationship with the disgraced financier.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Musk said: “I don’t recall introducing Epstein to anyone, as I don’t know the guy well enough to do so. Epstein is obviously a creep.”
On 31 January, Musk also addressed the issue on X, writing: “I have never been to any Epstein parties ever and have many times called for the prosecution of those who have committed crimes with Epstein.”
No Implication of Wrongdoing
The US Justice Department has stressed that appearing in the Epstein files or photographs does not imply wrongdoing. The release forms part of more than three million documents collected during investigations into Epstein’s activities and network.
The resurfacing of the image has nonetheless renewed public debate around Epstein’s access to political, financial and technology elites before his arrest and death in custody in 2019.
![British politician Peter Mandelson was was sacked from his post as British ambassador to the US in September following earlier revelations about his Epstein ties [File: Jeff Overs/BBC/Handout via Reuters]](https://myvirgo.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/peter-mandelson-330x220.webp)
