Tesla’s chief executive seemingly showed interest in visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s Caribbean island on multiple occasions in email exchanges between the two that spanned over a year, according to documents released by the Justice Department last Friday.

These files—part of a batch released in connection with various investigations into Epstein—include 16 emails between Musk and the disgraced financier sent during 2012 and 2013.

On Saturday, Musk appeared to confirm the emails were genuine but denied having any close relationship with Epstein.

“No one pushed harder than me to have the Epstein files released and I’m glad that has finally happened,” Musk posted early Saturday morning on X after the files were made public. He maintained that he repeatedly “declined” invitations to Epstein’s island but was aware the emails could be “misinterpreted.”

“I had very little correspondence with Epstein and declined repeated invitations to go to his island or fly on his ‘Lolita Express’, but was well aware that some email exchanges with him could be misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name,” he stated.

Musk has long claimed he did not know Epstein well, noting that Epstein had “tried repeatedly to get me to visit his island” but that he had refused.

However, the emails seem to contain several instances where Musk expressed an interest in visiting the island.

“What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” Musk wrote to Epstein in an email dated November 2012. In another email from December 2013, he asked: “Will be in the BVI/St Bart’s area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit?”

The emails do not provide any indication of wrongdoing by Musk.

Epstein’s Caribbean island, Little Saint James, is now infamous as the site of dozens of allegations of sex trafficking and abuse of young women and girls.

Epstein’s most serious crimes were not public knowledge when Musk was communicating with him, but he had been convicted in 2008 on state charges of soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a minor under 18. He was released after serving 13 months in a minimum-security prison following a plea deal that granted him federal immunity.

It wasn’t until 2015 that more serious allegations about Epstein became public, when Virginia Giuffre sued his longtime collaborator for defamation. Epstein was eventually arrested on sex trafficking charges months after a series of investigative reports sparked wider interest in his actions and connections to powerful individuals.

Here are the key emails between the two:

September 24, 2012: ‘Very enjoyable conversation’

The earliest email between Musk and Epstein in the files dates to late 2012, when Musk referenced a “very enjoyable conversation!”

Epstein replied: “Hopefully the first of many.”

Shortly afterward, Epstein reached out to Musk asking for help electrifying his Caribbean island or his New Mexico ranch with solar power, given that Musk was then chairman of SolarCity.

November 24, 2012: ‘heli to island’

The two discussed a potential meeting on Epstein’s Caribbean island over Christmas. It is unclear whether Epstein invited Musk or Musk requested the visit. During the exchange, Musk was asked how many people would “heli to island”—likely referring to traveling by helicopter.

“Probably just Talulah and me,” Musk said, referring to his then-wife Talulah Riley. “What day/night will be the wildest party on our island?”

December 25, 2012: ‘Do you have any parties planned?’

On Christmas Day 2012 at 6 a.m., Musk messaged Epstein asking if he had “any parties planned?”

He continued: “I’ve been working to the edge of sanity this year and so, once my kids head home after Christmas, I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose. The invitation is much appreciated, but a peaceful island experience is the opposite of what I’m looking for.”

“Understood, I will see you on St Barth. The ratio on my island might make Talulah uncomfortable,” Epstein responded.

“Ratio is not a problem for Talulah,” Musk said.

On January 2, 2013, Musk seemingly canceled the visit, telling Epstein: “Logistics won’t work this time around.”

February 26, 2013: ‘thanks for the tour’

Epstein thanked Musk for a tour of SpaceX. Musk has previously stated that Epstein never toured SpaceX, tweeting on July 4, 2020: “To the best of our knowledge, he never toured SpaceX. Don’t know where that comes from.”

Yet, records show Epstein was scheduled to have lunch with Musk during a visit to the company’s headquarters.

On February 26, Epstein sent Musk an email saying: “thanks for the tour,” adding that he “would have had fun at xmas.”

In his response, Musk wrote: “I see,” accompanied by a smiley face.

December 14, 2013: ‘Is there a good time to visit?’

Musk and Epstein attempted to arrange a visit to the island, with Musk asking in December 2013: “Is there a good time to visit?”

“I will send heli for you,” Epstein replied. Musk responded: “Thanks.”

After a series of back-and-forth emails about scheduling, Epstein sent a cancellation email:

“Bad news—Unfortunately, my schedule will keep me in New York,” he told Musk on Dec. 30, 2013. “I was really looking forward to finally spending some time together with just fun as the agenda, so I am very disappointed. Hopefully we can schedule another time in the near future.”

Musk responded: “No problem.”