Emails Reveal Epstein's Elaborate Scheme to Target Elon Musk Through His Brother Kimbal

New documents show Epstein used a woman to get close to Kimbal Musk, hoping to gain access to his brother Elon Musk

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Newly released Department of Justice emails reveal that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein orchestrated an elaborate scheme to target the Musk brothers, Elon and Kimbal, in an apparent attempt to gain access to the billionaire siblings. Epstein paired one of his 'girls', a woman named Sarah, with Kimbal Musk in 2012, closely monitoring their relationship and providing guidance to Sarah on how to maintain Kimbal's interest. Epstein's ultimate goal seemed to be using the connection to Kimbal as a way to get closer to his more famous brother, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. The emails provide a window into Epstein's tactics of using women as 'pieces on a chessboard' to build relationships with the rich and powerful.

Why it matters

This case highlights Epstein's disturbing methods of exploiting vulnerable women to gain access to influential individuals. It raises questions about how Epstein was able to maintain relationships with high-profile figures like the Musk brothers even after his 2008 conviction for sex crimes. The revelations also underscore the lasting impact of Epstein's actions on his victims, some of whom are still dealing with the consequences years later.

The details

According to the emails, in 2012, Epstein and his associate Boris Nikolic hand-picked a woman named Sarah to date Kimbal Musk, the younger brother of Elon Musk. Epstein closely monitored Sarah's relationship with Kimbal, providing guidance and approving her travel plans with him. The emails show Epstein's efforts to leverage Kimbal's new romance to gain access to Elon, including inviting the brothers to his Manhattan mansion and trying to arrange a trip to his private island. While it's unclear if Kimbal was aware of Epstein's involvement, the emails suggest Epstein saw the relationship as a way to get closer to the Musk family.

  • In September 2012, Kimbal Musk celebrated his 40th birthday at a party in New York City, where Epstein had arranged for Sarah to attend.
  • In the weeks after the party, Kimbal Musk and Sarah began dating, with Epstein closely monitoring their relationship through emails and updates.
  • In December 2012, Epstein invited Elon Musk to visit his private island, but Elon declined the invitation.
  • In February 2013, Epstein tried to leverage his connection to Kimbal to gain access to Elon, asking if Elon had heard about a 'pregnant joke' involving Sarah.
  • In April 2013, Kimbal Musk broke up with Sarah, damaging Epstein's connection to the Musk brothers.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who orchestrated an elaborate scheme to target the Musk brothers through their personal relationships.

Kimbal Musk

The younger brother of Elon Musk, who dated a woman named Sarah that Epstein had paired with him in an apparent attempt to gain access to the Musk family.

Elon Musk

The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who Epstein tried to get closer to through his brother Kimbal's relationship with Sarah.

Boris Nikolic

An associate of Epstein's who helped coordinate the relationship between Kimbal Musk and Sarah.

Sarah

A woman who Epstein paired with Kimbal Musk in an effort to gain access to the Musk family.

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What they’re saying

“I told him that you are coming with [Sarah] and that [Kimbal] might want to ditch his ex/or current to be.”

— Boris Nikolic, Epstein associate (Department of Justice emails)

“I believe you both played a role”

— Kimbal Musk (Department of Justice emails)

“Message received wide and clear”

— Kimbal Musk (Department of Justice emails)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights Epstein's disturbing tactics of exploiting vulnerable women to gain access to the rich and powerful, even years after his initial conviction. It raises troubling questions about how Epstein was able to maintain relationships with high-profile figures and the lasting impact on his victims.