Recently released documents connected to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein have revealed that a number of senior figures across global sport continued to maintain contact with him even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The newly unsealed files, made public last Friday, include emails, text messages and internal correspondence involving Epstein and prominent individuals from Formula 1, football and American football. Several of those named had previously stated they distanced themselves from Epstein following his conviction.
While the documents show ongoing communication and discussions about possible business dealings, it is important to note that being mentioned in the files does not, in itself, imply criminal wrongdoing. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Former FIA president Jean Todt visited Epstein in 2017
Among the most high-profile names appearing in the files is Jean Todt, the former president of motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, and a former Ferrari Formula 1 team principal.
Email correspondence shows that Todt visited Epstein at his New York residence in 2017, nearly a decade after Epstein’s conviction. In one message sent that May, Epstein apologised to Todt for the brevity of the meeting, referencing Norwegian diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen.
Rod-Larsen appears to have played a role in introducing the two men. In a text message to Epstein, he suggested it could be beneficial for Epstein to meet Todt and encouraged him to invite the FIA figure for coffee.
Todt responded warmly after the meeting, saying it was “nice to get to know” Epstein through their mutual connection and suggested meeting again in Paris or Geneva.
In a separate email chain the following day, Epstein described Todt to another contact as an “odd guy,” prompting a brief exchange with no visible follow-up.
Earlier correspondence shows Todt’s name first came up in 2013 through French diplomat Olivier Colom, who described Todt as a “good man” while discussing social plans.
The BBC has contacted Todt — now the United Nations’ special envoy for road safety — for comment.
Flavio Briatore also maintained links
The files also reference Flavio Briatore, now an executive adviser and de facto team principal at Alpine F1.
In a 2010 email, a sender whose identity is redacted told Epstein that Briatore wanted to speak with him and provided contact details for Briatore’s London office.
Later that year, Epstein referred to Briatore as “my Italian friend” during discussions about a potential aircraft purchase involving Mohamed Al Fayed, the late businessman who has been accused of multiple sexual offences.
Briatore was also mentioned in correspondence between Epstein and Lord Mandelson, concerning a Chelsea property Epstein was told Briatore was looking to sell.
BBC Sport has approached Briatore’s representatives for comment.
Crystal Palace investor Josh Harris named in emails
Emails and phone records show Josh Harris, an investor in Crystal Palace and co-founder of Apollo Global Management, remained in contact with Epstein for several years after the conviction.
Harris, whose business interests also include ownership of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Commanders, attended a breakfast meeting with Epstein in 2013 and later emailed to thank him for the invitation.
Further contact occurred in 2016, when Harris indicated he would be “very happy to catch up” in the future.
A spokesperson for Harris said he never had an independent relationship with Epstein and actively sought to prevent Epstein from developing any corporate connection with Apollo, often cancelling meetings or delegating communication.
Todd Boehly and Dermot Desmond mentioned
Emails suggest Epstein met twice in 2011 with Todd Boehly, now co-owner and chairman of Chelsea FC, who at the time was a co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a senior figure at Guggenheim Partners.
The correspondence implies Epstein was eager to be introduced to Boehly. Neither Boehly nor Chelsea have publicly commented.
Meanwhile, Celtic major shareholder Dermot Desmond was mentioned in two emails sent to Epstein on behalf of golf resort developer Gerald G Barton in 2010. The messages suggested Desmond could potentially contribute millions to golf development projects.
Desmond’s representatives firmly denied any connection with Epstein, stating he never met him, had no knowledge of the emails, and was not involved in any transaction linked to Epstein.
New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch under scrutiny
The files also reveal that Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants, exchanged several complimentary emails with Epstein in the early 2010s.
In one message, Epstein offered to introduce Tisch to a Russian woman, to which Tisch replied: “Is she fun?”
In a statement, Tisch said the exchanges involved discussions about adult women, films, philanthropy and investments, but claimed he never accepted Epstein’s invitations or visited his island.
He added that he deeply regrets any association with Epstein.
The NFL has confirmed it is reviewing the matter, with commissioner Roger Goodell stating the league will assess the context of the messages and whether they violate league policy.
Stephen Ross linked through property developer
In 2016, billionaire property developer Andrew Farkas apologised to Epstein for the condition of a Palm Beach mansion visited by him. A year later, Farkas told Epstein that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross could potentially provide up to $100m for a project partially funded by Epstein.
BBC Sport has contacted the Miami Dolphins for comment.
Ghislaine Maxwell connections also revealed
The documents also shed light on contact between sports figures and Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s crimes.
In 2003, Casey Wasserman, chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and founder of sports marketing agency Wasserman, exchanged sexually suggestive emails with Maxwell.
Wasserman later expressed deep regret for the correspondence, stating it occurred long before Maxwell’s crimes became known and that he never had any relationship with Epstein.
Additionally, emails show Maxwell introduced former Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine to various contacts. Irvine has previously acknowledged attending social events hosted by Epstein and Maxwell but said he was unaware of any criminal behaviour at the time.
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