In newly released transcripts from a Justice Department interview conducted in July 2025, Ghislaine Maxwell—convicted for her role in Jeffery Epstein’s sex trafficking ring—provided chilling recollections of her encounters with Elon Musk. Her testimony not only contradicts Musk’s long-standing denials but also raises new questions about the nature of their brief but notable interactions.

The Caribbean Island Meeting (2010–2011)

Maxwell told DOJ investigators that her first real memory of Musk dates back to 2010 or 2011, during a multi-day birthday celebration hosted by Sergey Brin—the co-founder of Google—on a Caribbean island. The gathering saw between 30 and 50 attendees, among whom Elon Musk was present. “Mr. Musk was present for that,” Maxwell noted, though she didn’t recall the exact year she met him.

This account directly challenges Musk’s claims of never having known Maxwell, which he had previously dismissed with a remark that she merely “photobombed” a photo with him at a separate event.

The 2014 Vanity Fair Oscars Party

Maxwell’s next cited encounter was at the famed Vanity Fair Oscars after-party of March 2, 2014. Photographic evidence confirms Maxwell and Musk were captured in the same shot—though whether they interacted is up for interpretation

Musk has consistently downplayed the interaction, labeling it a “photobomb.” A spokesperson echoed the claim, stating Maxwell “inserted herself” into the photo without Musk’s awareness.

Beyond Face Value: The Conversation That Went Viral

A Vanity Fair staffer present at the party later provided revealing context: Maxwell allegedly asked Musk whether it was possible to erase oneself from the internet—or even “destroy the internet.” Musk replied dismissively. They also apparently discussed extraterrestrial life, with Musk musing about the possibility that humans might be living in a simulation.

This casual yet surreal exchange has been frequently cited online, adding layers to the simple “photobomb” narrative and giving rise to speculation and memes across social platforms.

The Email Link Between Musk and Epstein

Maxwell also indicated, based on discovery materials from her trial rather than personal memory, that there was email correspondence between Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein. She admitted her memory wasn’t sharp about these details, but stated, “I believe they did.”

This allegation reinforces earlier reported scrutiny into Musk’s tangential connections to Epstein’s network—but unlike many other figures, Musk has never been implicated in wrongdoing

Contradicting Musk’s Public Statements

Elon Musk has long publicly denied any meaningful familiarity with Maxwell and Epstein. In 2020, he tweeted:

Don’t know Ghislaine at all. She photobombed me once at a Vanity Fair party several years ago. Real question is why VF invited her in the first place.”

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He further distanced himself by denying that Epstein ever toured SpaceX facilities or advised him in any capacity.

What Netizens Are Saying

Online reactions have ranged from skeptical to conspiratorial:

This picture was taken at a 2014 Vanity Fair party… why does he say she photobombed him?” – Reddit user in r/conspiracy

Other commentators point to broader patterns:

He socialized more than once with a known pedophile, Jeffrey Epstein.” – Reddit user in r/Epstein

These discussions highlight growing distrust in Musk’s denials, especially given the uncomfortable optics of being photographed with Maxwell.

Why This Matters

Maxwell’s testimony undermines the simple story of “no knowledge” Musk has promoted for years. Her distinct memories—from the Caribbean gathering to the Oscars party, to referencing emails with Epstein—suggest far more than anonymous contact.

Importantly, there is no evidence Maxwell claimed any nefarious involvement by Musk. The disclosures do not suggest wrongdoing on Musk’s part, but they do complicate the public narrative of his detachment from Epstein’s inner circle.

Conclusion

Ghislaine Maxwell’s recollections in the DOJ interview paint a nuanced picture: Elon Musk was present at social events connected to Epstein’s circle, interacted briefly—enough to be remembered—and possibly communicated via email with Epstein. These revelations complicate Musk’s long-standing assertion that he had no real awareness of Maxwell beyond a fleeting accidental photo.

Whether these interactions prove significant remains to be seen. But Maxwell’s account undeniably reshapes the story from “photobomb” denials toward a web of subtle personal connections—one that may yet demand a more thorough public examination.