Epstein's Elite Network Remained Silent on His Crimes

Wealthy and powerful associates turned a blind eye to the convicted sex offender's abusive behavior

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Jeffrey Epstein's vast network of wealthy and influential friends and associates were aware of his history of sex crimes with minors, yet many continued to associate with him and even assist in his activities after his 2008 conviction. Despite Epstein's public status as a registered sex offender, his friends and acquaintances from the worlds of business, academia, and politics failed to speak out or take action against his continued abuse of young women, instead choosing to maintain their access to his social circle and resources.

Why it matters

Epstein's ability to maintain his elite social standing and continue his criminal behavior for years after his initial conviction highlights the power of wealth, status, and connections to shield abusers from accountability. It also reveals a troubling willingness among the powerful and privileged to overlook or enable abuse in order to preserve their own access and standing within exclusive social circles.

The details

Even after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex crimes with minors, he was able to rebuild and curate his extensive social network, vetting young women from around the world and soliciting them for sex. His friends and associates, including figures like Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Deepak Chopra, were aware of Epstein's history and the presence of young women in his entourage, yet many continued to associate with him and even request his assistance in arranging sexual encounters. Epstein's use of coded language like 'massage' provided a veneer of plausible deniability, allowing his powerful contacts to avoid directly confronting the nature of his activities.

  • Epstein was convicted of sex crimes with minors in 2008.
  • Between 2009 and his death in 2019, Epstein was rebuilding his social network and planning new massage rooms on his properties.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who trafficked underage girls and maintained a vast network of wealthy and influential associates who were aware of his criminal behavior.

Bill Gates

Co-founder of Microsoft, who acknowledged that his relationship with Epstein was a "big mistake".

Richard Branson

Founder of the Virgin Group, who referred to Epstein's entourage of young women as his "harem".

Deepak Chopra

A spiritual teacher and author, who was offered the services of "two girls" by Epstein in 2017.

Kathryn Ruemmler

Former White House counsel under President Barack Obama, who acknowledged knowing the difference between a massage and Epstein's criminal activities.

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What they’re saying

“I'm too impatient, happy beginning”

— Jeffrey Epstein (New York Times)

“I'm in Florida, but would like to send two girls”

— Jeffrey Epstein (New York Times)

“I had no knowledge of any ongoing criminal conduct on his part, and I did not know him as the monster he has been revealed to be”

— Kathryn Ruemmler, Former White House counsel (New York Times)

The takeaway

Epstein's ability to maintain his elite social standing and continue his criminal behavior for years after his initial conviction highlights the power of wealth, status, and connections to shield abusers from accountability. It also reveals a troubling willingness among the powerful and privileged to overlook or enable abuse in order to preserve their own access and standing within exclusive social circles.