Jeffrey Epstein donated $50,000 to the animal conservation charity WildAid in November 2013, following a suggestion from Sir Richard Branson, according to newly released U.S. Department of Justice documents. The donation was made through Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands charitable foundation, Enhanced Education.
Epstein’s contribution was prompted by Jean Oelwang, CEO of Virgin Unite, the non-profit arm of the Virgin Group. Documents show that Epstein’s assistant, Lesley Groff, contacted Oelwang asking for details on the charity “that Richard prefers.” Oelwang directed him to WildAid after Branson instructed Virgin staff to perform due diligence on Epstein, who had previously been jailed in Florida in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Following this vetting, Virgin Unite blocked Epstein’s funds from entering its own foundation.
WildAid, which has a long-standing relationship with Virgin Unite, counts high-profile ambassadors such as the Prince of Wales, David Beckham, and Jackie Chan. The organization confirmed it received the donation as a general gift in 2013 and publicly disclosed it in its Annual Report. WildAid stated that none of its staff met Epstein or representatives of his foundation regarding the donation.
Emails in the DoJ document release reveal communications between Epstein and Branson. Epstein visited Branson’s private Caribbean island, Necker, three times in 2013 and mentioned bringing “2 Russian girls” needing UK visas. In a September 2013 email, Branson invited Epstein, saying: “Any time you are in the area we would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!”
Virgin Group has since clarified that the term “harem” referred to three adult members of Epstein’s staff and expressed regret over Branson’s use of the language. The group emphasized that, had Branson been aware of Epstein’s full history, there would have been no contact.
Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution, was released from prison in 2009 and placed under house arrest until 2010. He died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Virgin Group underscored that all interactions with Epstein took place more than 12 years ago in limited, business-related settings, such as charity events. The organization highlighted that due diligence uncovered serious allegations, leading Virgin Unite to decline Epstein’s donation.
Richard Branson, a WildAid ambassador since 2011, has been involved in multiple outreach campaigns to raise awareness of endangered species. Virgin Unite and Virgin Atlantic have supported the charity in the past, though Branson and his foundation have no control over the donations WildAid receives.
Virgin Group stated: “Had they had the full picture and information, there would have been no contact whatsoever — Richard believes that Epstein’s actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims.”
