The intersection of tech, celebrity, and controversy deepened this week as LCD Soundsystem’s music appeared in a new SpaceX Super Bowl ad, while fresh details emerged linking SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The developments highlight the complex relationships between influential figures in Silicon Valley and the late convicted sex offender, and raise questions about brand associations in the wake of the released Epstein files.
The SpaceX commercial, soundtracked by LCD Soundsystem’s 2017 hit “Oh Baby,” promoted Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service. The ad, which aired on , features footage of rocket launches and promises “fast, affordable internet” globally. This isn’t the first time LCD Soundsystem has licensed its music for commercial use; their songs have previously appeared in advertisements for Samsung and eBay.
However, the timing of the ad’s release is particularly noteworthy given the recent release of additional documents from the Justice Department related to Jeffrey Epstein. The files, released on , and earlier batches, have revealed a network of connections between Epstein and numerous high-profile individuals, including Musk, Bill Gates, and former Prince Andrew.
According to emails uncovered in the latest release, Musk directly contacted Epstein in , inquiring about parties on Epstein’s private island. In one email, Musk asked, “What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” Another email, sent on Christmas Day of that year, indicated Musk was seeking an escape from a demanding work schedule and a desire to “hit the party scene.” He wrote, “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 Baits or elsewhere and let loose. The invitation is much appreciated, but a peaceful island experience is the opposite of what I’m looking for.”
Musk responded to the release of the Epstein files with a statement posted on X, his social media platform, on . He stated that he had “very little correspondence with Epstein” and “declined repeated invitations to go to his island or fly on his ‘Lolita Express.’” He acknowledged that some communication could be “misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name,” but asserted that his primary concern was the prosecution of those who committed crimes with Epstein, particularly those involving the exploitation of underage girls.
The release of the Epstein files has already sparked friction within the tech industry. Tesla CEO Musk and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman have engaged in a public dispute on X, trading accusations of poor judgment regarding their connections to Epstein. Authorities have not accused either man of wrongdoing in connection with the case.
The latest documents also shed light on Epstein’s attempts to connect with Musk, suggesting a one-sided effort by Epstein to cultivate a relationship with the billionaire tech mogul. The nature of their interactions, as revealed through the released emails, paints a picture of Epstein actively seeking Musk’s company, while Musk appeared more reserved and focused on his own pursuits.
Beyond Musk, the newly released files contain disturbing images of Prince Andrew, showing him in compromising positions with an unidentified woman. The photos, released by the Justice Department, depict Andrew on all fours over the woman, with no context provided regarding the time or location. This revelation has prompted calls for further investigation into Andrew’s involvement with Epstein, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggesting he should cooperate with U.S. Investigators.
The ongoing fallout from the Epstein files underscores the potential for reputational damage associated with past connections to the convicted sex offender. For figures like Musk, navigating these revelations while maintaining public trust and brand integrity presents a significant challenge. The use of LCD Soundsystem’s music in the SpaceX ad, while seemingly innocuous, now carries an added layer of complexity given Musk’s documented interactions with Epstein. The incident serves as a reminder of the enduring scrutiny faced by those linked to the scandal and the potential consequences for their public image and business ventures.
The Justice Department’s release of the Epstein files, mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed into law by President Trump in November, continues to reverberate through various sectors, exposing a web of connections that extends far beyond the entertainment and tech industries. The investigation into X’s Grok AI bot, announced by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, adds another layer of scrutiny to Musk’s ventures, highlighting the broader implications of the Epstein revelations.
