Newly Released Epstein Documents Feature Photo of Professor Stephen Hawking with Bikini-Clad Women

A recently disclosed photograph from the extensive Jeffrey Epstein files shows the renowned British physicist and cosmologist, Professor Stephen Hawking, smiling alongside two women in bikinis. This image surfaced as part of millions of documents made public by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2024, shedding light on Epstein’s controversial social circle.

Context of the Photograph and Epstein’s Private Island

While the exact date and location of the photo remain unspecified, many images in the collection were captured on Epstein’s infamous Little Saint James Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is well-documented that Hawking visited this private island in March 2006, attending a five-day conference on gravitational physics alongside 20 other leading scientists. At that time, Epstein had not been formally charged with any criminal offenses.

During the 2006 visit, Hawking was photographed at a casual barbecue event, seated in his wheelchair, and later participated in a submarine excursion exploring the ocean floor surrounding the island. These moments were previously publicized in 2015, highlighting the intersection of Epstein’s social gatherings with prominent figures in the scientific community.

Mentions of Hawking in the Epstein Files

Stephen Hawking’s name appears over 250 times throughout the Epstein documents. It is important to emphasize that inclusion in these files does not imply any criminal conduct. Hawking has never been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein’s activities.

One notable reference is found in a 2015 email from Epstein to his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Epstein proposed offering a monetary incentive to anyone connected to Virginia Giuffre who could disprove allegations claiming Hawking’s involvement in an “underage orgy” on the Virgin Islands. Epstein’s message stated: “You can issue a reward to any of Virginia’s friends, acquaintances, or family that come forward and help prove her allegations are false. The strongest is the Clinton dinner, and the new version in the Virgin Islands that Steven Hawking participated in an underage orgy.”

Virginia Giuffre and Related Controversies

Virginia Giuffre, a key accuser in the Epstein case, made several high-profile allegations against various individuals, including members of the British royal family. Notably, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was among those she accused of sexual abuse. Giuffre tragically died by suicide in 2025, adding further complexity to the ongoing investigations and public discourse surrounding Epstein’s network.

Scientific Community and Epstein’s Influence

Epstein’s ability to attract leading scientists to his island, including Nobel laureates and renowned researchers, has sparked debate about the ethical implications of associating with controversial figures. The 2006 physics conference, which included Hawking, was part of Epstein’s efforts to cultivate an image of legitimacy and intellectual engagement despite his criminal background.

As of 2024, the scientific community continues to grapple with the legacy of these associations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in research collaborations and funding sources.