Joe Rogan Responds to Mention in Epstein Files

Podcast host says he would have never met with Epstein after learning about him.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Joe Rogan addressed his name appearing in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, stating that he would have never met with Epstein after learning about him. The files show Epstein unsuccessfully attempted to get an introduction to Rogan through physicist Lawrence Krauss, but no meeting or direct communication between Rogan and Epstein occurred.

Why it matters

The release of the Epstein files has shed light on the connections between the disgraced financier and various high-profile figures. While Rogan's involvement appears to be minimal compared to others named in the documents, his response highlights the scrutiny placed on public personalities associated with Epstein, even tangentially.

The details

The Epstein files show he sought an introduction to Rogan through Lawrence Krauss, who had appeared on Rogan's podcast in 2017. Krauss told Epstein that Rogan 'seems more timid than I would have thought,' and no meeting or correspondence between Rogan and Epstein ever took place. Rogan said he would have never met with Epstein, especially after learning more about him through an online search.

  • The U.S. Department of Justice released a batch of material from the Epstein investigation on January 30, 2026.
  • Rogan addressed the mention of his name in the Epstein files on an episode of his podcast released on February 12, 2026.

The players

Joe Rogan

A popular podcast host and comedian known for his show 'The Joe Rogan Experience'.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

Lawrence Krauss

A physicist who appeared as a guest on Rogan's podcast in 2017 and was contacted by Epstein about an introduction to Rogan.

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What they’re saying

“I'm in the files for not going. I would have never went anyway, it's not even a possibility that I would've ever went, especially after I Googled him.”

— Joe Rogan (The Joe Rogan Experience)

The takeaway

Rogan's response highlights the scrutiny placed on public figures associated with Epstein, even tangentially. While Rogan's involvement appears minimal, the release of the Epstein files has prompted many high-profile individuals to address their connections to the disgraced financier.