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Sports figures stayed in contact with Epstein post-conviction
Newly released documents show senior executives in Formula 1, football, and American football continued communication with Jeffrey Epstein years after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The files, part of a recent disclosure of millions of records, include emails and text messages that contradict earlier claims of distancing from the disgraced financier.
Key figures named in the documents
Jean Todt, former president of motorsport governing body FIA and ex-Ferrari team principal, visited Epstein at his New York residence in 2017. In an email exchange, Epstein told Todt, "Jean, sorry it was so short and Terje did not give me any notice in advance to help with the fun." Todt responded by inviting Epstein to Paris or Geneva, adding he would return to New York in mid-July. The documents also reveal Todt was first introduced to Epstein in 2013 by French diplomat Olivier Colom.
Flavio Briatore, current executive adviser to Alpine F1, was referenced in emails discussing a potential aircraft purchase by late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed. Epstein described Briatore as "my Italian friend" in a 2010 exchange. The files also show Briatore was involved in discussions about a Chelsea property sale.
American sports owners in correspondence
Josh Harris, co-founder of private equity firm Apollo Global Management and investor in Crystal Palace, the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Commanders, exchanged emails and calls with Epstein for years. In 2013, Harris thanked Epstein for a breakfast meeting, though his spokesperson stated Harris "never had an independent relationship" with Epstein and sought to avoid corporate ties.
Todd Boehly, co-owner and chairman of Chelsea FC, met with Epstein twice in 2011, according to emails. At the time, Boehly was co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a managing partner at Guggenheim Partners. Neither Boehly nor Chelsea have commented publicly.
Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants, exchanged emails with Epstein in the early 2010s, including discussions about introducing women. Tisch acknowledged a "brief association" but said he never accepted Epstein's invitations or visited his private island. The NFL is reviewing the messages to determine if a formal investigation is warranted.
Other notable connections
Dermot Desmond, owner of Celtic FC, was mentioned in 2010 emails regarding a golf resort development, with discussions about providing millions in funding. The Miami Dolphins' owner, Stephen Ross, was linked to a 2017 project where he reportedly offered up to $100 million in financing.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former associate convicted for her role in his crimes, also appears in the files. Casey Wasserman, chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, exchanged flirtatious emails with Maxwell in 2003, later expressing regret. Former F1 driver Eddie Irvine was introduced to Maxwell in 2003 and admitted attending Epstein's parties but claimed ignorance of any misconduct.
Responses and investigations
The BBC has sought comments from Todt, Briatore, Desmond, and the Miami Dolphins. The NFL is assessing whether Tisch's communications violate league policies. Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, was never convicted of the broader sex trafficking allegations that later emerged.
"I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light. I never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein."
Casey Wasserman
While the documents do not prove wrongdoing, they raise questions about the extent of Epstein's influence in elite sports circles long after his initial conviction.
