The two women in bikinis posing with Professor Stephen Hawking in a photograph from the Epstein files served as his long-term caretakers from the UK, according to his family.
Hawking appears smiling broadly next to the women, who hold what look like fruity cocktails. The image surfaced among documents released by the Department of Justice, lacking details on the date or location.
Details of the 2006 Photograph
A representative from Hawking’s estate confirms the photo dates to 2006 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on St. Thomas in the Caribbean. Hawking had just spoken on Quantum Cosmology at a science symposium there. Jeffrey Epstein also attended the event.
The estate did not disclose who captured the image or explain its inclusion in the Epstein files. Hawking, who lived with motor neuron disease (ALS) for over 50 years until his death in 2018 at age 76, needed constant care from a team of nurses.
Department of Justice officials redacted the women’s faces before public release, preventing independent verification of their identities.
Hawking at Epstein’s Science Conference
In March 2006, Epstein hosted 21 leading scientists, including Hawking, at a conference titled ‘The Energy of Empty Space That Isn’t Zero’ at the Ritz-Carlton on St. Thomas, near his private island, Little St. James. Guests relaxed on beaches, visited the island, and attended sessions.
Photos show Hawking at a barbecue in his wheelchair. Epstein arranged a special submarine tour of the seabed around Little St. James for Hawking, who experienced underwater exploration for the first time.
Family Defends Hawking’s Legacy
A Hawking family spokesperson stated: “Professor Hawking made some of the greatest contributions to physics in the 20th century while at the same time being the longest-known survivor of motor neurone disease, a debilitating condition which left him reliant on a ventilator, voice synthesiser, wheelchair and round-the-clock medical care. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct on his part is wrong and far-fetched in the extreme.”
Allegations and Unsubstantiated Claims
Late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre accused Hawking of participating in an underage orgy on the island, per emails from Epstein, who denied it vehemently. Epstein reportedly asked associate Ghislaine Maxwell to offer money to disprove the claims.
FBI files note an unverified 2019 tip claiming Epstein and Hawking visited an all-male gay club in 2011. The informant described illicit activities but provided no evidence. Hawking appears in the Epstein files over 250 times, with no indication of wrongdoing.
Epstein’s Pursuit of Science
Epstein positioned himself as a science philanthropist, donating millions annually to researchers. He focused on transhumanism, advocating genetic engineering and AI to advance humanity. Reports suggest he discussed seeding his genes widely.
The Department of Justice has released over 3.5 million Epstein-related documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, identifying more than 6 million in total, though not all will be public.
