Sports Executives Kept Contact with Epstein After Conviction
Recent documents from the latest release of Jeffrey Epstein files reveal that several high-profile figures in Formula 1, football, and the NFL maintained contact with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The files include emails and messages showing discussions about potential business deals involving Epstein and top sports executives. While being named in the documents does not indicate wrongdoing, it sheds light on continued connections long after his conviction.
Jean Todt’s Meetings with Epstein
Jean Todt, former FIA president and Ferrari team boss, visited Epstein at his New York residence in 2017. Epstein emailed Todt, apologizing that Terje Rod-Larsen, a Norwegian diplomat, did not give prior notice to help with “the fun.”
Todt responded, saying it was “nice to get to know” Epstein through Terje and offered to meet again in Paris or Geneva. Epstein later referred to Todt as “odd” in an email to Eduardo Teodorani, chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UK. Todt’s name first appeared in Epstein’s files in 2013, through another diplomatic contact. Todt is now the UN special envoy for road safety.
Flavio Briatore Maintained Contact
Former F1 executive Flavio Briatore also stayed in touch with Epstein. In 2010, Epstein referred to him as “my Italian friend” while discussing a possible aircraft purchase by Mohamed Al Fayed. Briatore was also mentioned in property discussions involving Lord Mandelson, former UK business secretary. Briatore now serves as executive adviser and de-facto team principal of the Alpine F1 team.
Josh Harris and Todd Boehly
Crystal Palace investor Josh Harris maintained email and phone contact with Epstein for years. In 2013, Harris attended a breakfast meeting with Epstein, sending a thank-you email afterward. Emails show he remained in touch in 2016, expressing interest in future meetings.
A spokesperson for Harris said he never had a personal relationship with Epstein and actively tried to prevent Epstein from forming ties with his firm, Apollo Global Management, which owns several sports teams.
Todd Boehly, Chelsea co-owner and businessman, had two meetings with Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein’s conviction. At the time, Boehly was co-owner of the LA Dodgers and a managing partner at Guggenheim Partners. Neither Boehly nor Chelsea has commented publicly.
Dermot Desmond Mentioned in Emails
Celtic owner Dermot Desmond appeared twice in Epstein-related emails in 2010. The messages suggested he might provide millions to co-fund golf developments alongside developer Gerald G Barton. Celtic has been contacted for a response.
The new Epstein files show that several high-profile sports figures continued their interactions with Epstein years after his conviction. While the documents do not prove illegal activity, they raise questions about ongoing ties and the influence of Epstein in elite sports and business circles.
