Here is a list of academics and atheist scientists who were in close contact with Jeffrey Epstein. The American financier surrounded himself with several figures from the “new atheism” movement.

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Why did leading figures of the so-called “new atheism“ associate with Epstein?

Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier involved in one of the most serious sexual exploitation scandals of recent decades.

The magnate operated a system of sexual abuse involving underage girls, brought to his residences in New York, Florida, and the Caribbean island of Little Saint James to be assaulted.

 

Epstein, the convictions, and who knew

What emerges from the “Epstein files”, published by the U.S. Department of Justice between 2025 and 2026, is that many people frequented billionaire Epstein, his villas, and his private jet, and were certainly aware of the system.

Among the hundreds of individuals appearing in these files, many are there to their detriment, simply mentioned in the financier’s emails. The individuals discussed in this article, however, were all in close contact with Epstein both before and after his conviction.

Epstein was first convicted in 2008 for sexual offenses he admitted to, including procuring and soliciting minors for prostitution, and was registered as a sex offender in the FBI database.

Despite at least 36 underage victims being identified, some as young as 14, Epstein received a reduced sentence following a controversial plea deal. He died shortly after being arrested again in 2019 on charges of sex trafficking minors.

 

Epstein and the “new atheist” scientists

In addition to politicians and businessmen, Epstein was also linked—surprisingly—to prominent figures in the scientific and academic world.

These were not isolated cases: the financier had developed a true strategy of infiltration into academia, using foundations and cultural intermediaries to pursue an obsessive interest in projects related to eugenics, genetic determinism, and human enhancement.

Many of the individuals he associated with shared a specific form of atheism: anti-theism.

These were well-known advocates of a materialist and openly atheist worldview. Not merely mentioned in the files, the documents suggest a prolonged association even after Epstein’s conviction, as well as a willingness to interact with someone already convicted of serious crimes.

Why create this in-depth analysis, unique on the web?

Because the individuals listed below have consistently devoted large portions of their books supporting “scientific atheism” to highlighting the misdeeds of religious figures in order to justify and promote their worldview. One wonders whether this strategy was also coordinated with their friend Epstein.

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Richard Dawkins

Among the most discussed names is evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, author of “The God Delusion” and a symbolic figure of the so-called “new atheism”.

According to recently released emails, in 2014 he attended a dinner in Arizona where Jeffrey Epstein was also present, despite being aware of his serious 2008 conviction.

Dawkins and Epstein had a personal relationship. The biologist initially claimed he had only limited contact with Epstein, but photos and emails easily contradicted this.

An image was published showing Dawkins aboard Epstein’s infamous private jet, the “Lolita Express”, used to transport his “clients” to Little Saint James, where abuse of hundreds of women and minors took place.

Additionally, an email emerged in which the British scientist wrote to his agent saying he had heard the case was «not as black as it was portrayed», describing it as a «witch hunt».

In 2010, two years after Epstein’s public conviction, the financier received an email informing him that several scientists would be present at his Caribbean residence.

Among them, besides the ever-present Dawkins, was Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Weinberg, known for calling religion «an insult to human dignity».

 

Lawrence Krauss

Also present was astrophysicist Lawrence Krauss, known for the thesis of a “universe from nothing”.

Krauss was closely linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

According to reports, he organized a physics conference funded by Epstein in St. Thomas. Epstein attended with young women, and Krauss and others visited Epstein’s island during the event.

Krauss also received funding from Epstein and defended him publicly after the 2008 conviction, maintaining contact for years.

In 2018, Krauss himself faced multiple sexual harassment accusations, leading to his suspension.

Emails show him asking Epstein for advice on handling accusations, receiving guidance to be «cooperative and kind at this stage».

Epstein also advised issuing a general statement claiming the accusations were false or unfounded.

Feminist Emma Watson commented: «Epstein evaded justice for years… so he certainly knew how to help Krauss get away with it».

Around the same time, Michael Shermer was also accused of sexual assault.

 

Ron Lindsay

Ron Lindsay, atheist activist and president of the “Center for Inquiry”, also appears in the files.

Emails show interactions with journalists investigating Krauss, involving testimonies of women harassed during events.

Lindsay denied the accusations and even had one accuser fired, later forwarding emails to Krauss, who sent them to Epstein.

Emma Watson stated in a video that «these scientists didn’t care about leaving evidence because they thought abusing minors was something the rich could do».

 

Lee Smolin

Physicist Lee Smolin was another close associate.

Although he claimed no contact after 2008, later files revealed ongoing contact until 2013, including invitations to Epstein’s island.

As a result, he recently stepped back from his position at the Perimeter Institute.

Emails show a close relationship continuing after Epstein’s conviction.

In one email, he wrote: «I regret not seeing friends, including you».

 

Steven Pinker

Steven Pinker, psychologist and Harvard professor, also appears frequently in the files.

His ideas reportedly influenced Epstein, particularly biological explanations of behavior, including rape as a “natural” tendency.

They associated both before and after Epstein’s conviction, with Pinker attending private dinners and parties.

In 2007, Pinker was consulted by Epstein’s lawyer to analyze legal norms related to sexual exploitation of minors.

He later claimed not to remember the context.

Nevertheless, Pinker continued to associate with Epstein even after 2008.

«What Epstein was accused of was monstrous… trafficking dozens of underage girls», reads an investigation. «And Pinker associated with him before and after».

 

The same ones who accuse the Church

Many of the academics mentioned built their success also on condemning abuses within religious institutions.

Ironically, the Epstein Files have revealed no connections with clergy.

Instead, Epstein spoke negatively about the Vatican, including discussions with Steve Bannon about strategies against Pope Francis.