Musk and Hoffman Clash Over Epstein Ties

Tech billionaires trade accusations over past connections to convicted sex offender

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Elon Musk and Reid Hoffman, two prominent tech figures, are engaged in a heated public clash over their past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Musk has accused Hoffman of repeatedly visiting Epstein's private island and other properties, and of attempting to cover up his involvement. Hoffman has denied the allegations and claimed he was cleared by the FBI, but Musk has rejected this assertion.

Why it matters

The dispute between Musk and Hoffman sheds light on the continued scrutiny of powerful individuals' connections to Epstein's sprawling criminal network. The revelations could have significant reputational and legal implications for those involved.

The details

According to reports, Hoffman exchanged over 1,700 emails with Epstein and allegedly visited his private island, New Mexico ranch, and Manhattan townhouse on multiple occasions. Hoffman claims he was merely fundraising for MIT, but Musk has accused him of bringing "gifts" to Epstein's properties and offering to help manage Epstein's public relations crisis. Musk has also questioned Hoffman's use of the phrase "ice cream for the girls" in an email to Epstein.

  • In February 2026, Musk and Hoffman engaged in a heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter).
  • Newly released Department of Justice files tied to Epstein's network have once again placed powerful elites under scrutiny.

The players

Elon Musk

The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, who has accused Hoffman of repeatedly visiting Epstein's properties and attempting to cover up his involvement.

Reid Hoffman

The co-founder of LinkedIn, who has denied the allegations and claimed he was cleared by the FBI, a claim Musk has rejected.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender whose sprawling criminal network has continued to draw scrutiny.

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What they’re saying

“The big difference between you and me, Reid, is that you went and I did not. In fact, you went multiple times. First time was maybe a mistake, but not the second time you went.”

— Elon Musk (X (Twitter)

“Give us a break: If you cared about the victims as you say, you'd stop making false accusations to cover your ass and start using your $220m of influence with President Trump to get justice for the victims.”

— Reid Hoffman (X (Twitter)

“What did you mean by 'ice cream for the girls?' @reidhoffman”

— Elon Musk (X (Twitter)

What’s next

The dispute between Musk and Hoffman is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether any further investigations or legal actions will result from the allegations.

The takeaway

The clash between Musk and Hoffman highlights the continued scrutiny of powerful individuals' connections to Jeffrey Epstein's criminal network, and the potential reputational and legal consequences that could arise from such associations.