Stephen Hawking alongside women in bikinis; family rejects allegations

WASHINGTON: Fresh details have emerged regarding the alleged links between the late physicist Stephen Hawking and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released Epstein-related documents include photographs showing Hawking seated alongside two young women in bikinis. In response, Hawking’s family has strongly rejected any negative allegations, calling them completely baseless.

The images are believed to have been taken during a scientific seminar held in 2006 on the Caribbean island of Saint Thomas. Hawking was reportedly among 21 scientists who visited Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, as part of the event. His family stated that the women seen in the photographs were long-time caregivers who assisted him due to his serious health condition, which required round-the-clock support. The family, which responded after the images began circulating, added that the negative comments about him are completely false.

Documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice reportedly mention Hawking’s name around 250 times. One of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Giuffre, had previously made allegations against Hawking. However, the documents also indicate that Epstein had at one point offered incentives to anyone who could provide information to counter those claims.

Hawking, one of the most influential scientists of modern times, made pioneering contributions to the study of black holes and general relativity. He lived for decades with motor neuron disease and severe physical limitations. In March 2006, he attended a conference that was hosted and funded by Epstein. Earlier photographs showing him at a dinner on Epstein’s island and taking part in an underwater submarine excursion had also surfaced in past reports. Hawking passed away in 2018.