10 Celebrity Reactions To Being Named In The Epstein Files
Elon Musk
Rather than stay silent after his name appeared in the DOJ’s 2026 release of Epstein files, Elon Musk publicly addressed the situation on social media. On his platform X, Musk wrote that “No one pushed harder than me to have the Epstein files released and I’m glad that has finally happened,” welcoming the transparency. He further said he had “very little correspondence with Epstein” and that he repeatedly declined invitations to visit Epstein’s island or fly on his plane. Acknowledging that mid‑2010s emails could be misinterpreted, he stressed that what mattered to him most was seeing authorities attempt to prosecute those who committed serious crimes with Epstein.
Princess Beatrice & Princess Eugenie
The January release of Epstein-related documents has renewed scrutiny of Princess Beatrice & Princess Eugenie’s father, the now disgraced ex‑Prince Andrew. According to royal author Robert Jobson, the sisters feel “duped” by their dad, believing he had cut ties with Epstein, only to see evidence suggesting otherwise. This includes a 2011 email in which Andrew wrote, “It would seem we are in this together.” Sources report the sisters have been emotionally affected by the Epstein release, especially as new details involving their mother, Sarah Ferguson, surfaced. The sisters are keeping a low profile as the controversy around their family continues to unfold.
Russell Wilson
When a 2019 email involving NFL quarterback Russell Wilson surfaced in the latest Epstein file dump, it sparked much confusion online. It turned out the context was far narrower than many assumed. The reference came from an email by Jeffrey Epstein’s pilot discussing Wilson’s interest in Epstein’s Gulfstream G‑IV jet. There was no personal contact with Epstein himself, and there’s no suggestion Wilson ever met him. However, Wilson quickly took to social media to clear things up, posting “NOPE!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Not TODAY satan!” He noted that a broker once offered him a plane - but he had no idea who owned it and never purchased it.
Whoopi Goldberg
On “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg took a notably frank stance during discussions about the ongoing release of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Rather than focus on whether specific names appeared, she directed criticism at broader cultural reaction - arguing that silence from some enabled the abuse to persist. Goldberg stated on air that “we were complicit” when women didn’t call out wrongdoing or support survivors, emphasizing that people with influence should have spoken up sooner and more forcefully. Her comments sparked debate among her co‑hosts, with Joy Behar questioning the broad use of “we,” but Goldberg stood by her point that accountability requires everyone.
Tony Hawk
When his name appeared in the newly released Epstein files, skateboarding icon Tony Hawk faced a wave of online speculation alleging one of his weddings took place on Jeffrey Epstein’s private island. In an Instagram Stories post, Hawk laid out the facts of his four marriages, listing locations in California, Fiji and Ireland. He clarified that one of the photographers at his 2006 Fiji wedding happened to be named Mark Epstein, but is not related to Jeffrey Epstein. Hawk stressed that he has never met Epstein or visited his island, calling the rumor a “narrative of nonsense” and emphasized that the misinformation was easily disproven with publicly verifiable details.
Crown Princess Mette‑Marit of Norway The latest Epstein file release showed extensive email correspondence between Crown Princess Mette‑Marit and Jeffrey Epstein - with her name appearing in numerous instances. In a statement issued by the Royal House of Norway, Mette‑Marit said she “must take responsibility for not having investigated Epstein’s background more thoroughly” and described maintaining contact as “poor judgment” she “deeply regrets.” She also expressed “deep sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the abuse committed by Jeffrey Epstein,” and apologized to those she had “disappointed” - including the king and queen.
Bill Gates
After the new Epstein‑related documents showed draft emails penned by Jeffrey Epstein about him, tech mogul Bill Gates publicly responded to the resurfaced material. In a televised interview with 9 News Australia, Gates described his prior meetings with Epstein - which were focused on discussing philanthropy and fundraising - as a “huge mistake.” He also said he “regrets every minute” he spent with him. Gates strongly denied the allegations in the emails, calling them “false,” noting it was written by Epstein to himself, never sent, and contained unverified claims. He emphasized he never visited Epstein’s private island, never met any women through him, and had no involvement in any of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Melinda French Gates
Speaking of Bill Gates, his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, described reading the allegations about him as bringing back “very, very painful times” from their marriage. In an NPR interview, Melinda said the details revived “unbelievable sadness” and underscored the emotional impact of seeing the issue discussed publicly years after their divorce. She also spoke about her concern for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, saying no girl should ever have been put in the situations created by him and his circle. She further stated that those referenced in the documents need to answer questions directly themselves.
Jon Stewart
If Jon Stewart was the last name you expected to see in the Epstein files, you’re not alone - Stewart thought so too. His mention came from a 2015 email between producer Barry Josephson and Jeffrey Epstein about a potential project for “Woody.” He pitched someone like Jon Stewart as a possible host or narrator. On “The Daily Show,” Stewart took exception, jokingly saying, “Excuse me? I am offended - somebody like Jon Stewart, or Jon Stewart?” Of course, Stewart would also go on to critique the document release, calling it “Groundhog Day” for repetitive headlines and questioning why powerful figures named in the files continue to face little or no accountability.
Donald Trump
If the 2026 Epstein files were supposed to lay old ghosts to rest, Donald Trump had a strong reaction when pressed about them. In a tense February 3, 2026 press briefing, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins asked him about the Department of Justice’s handling of the documents and what he would say to Epstein survivors. Trump responded by attacking her personally, calling her “the worst reporter” and remarking he had never seen her smile. He went on to dismiss the topic as beside the point and insisted the country should “get on to something else” now that everything has been released.
Did any of these responses to the latest Epstein-file dump surprise you? Let us know in the comments down below.
