Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Relationship

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk don't think I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent assistant".

These messages were published on Wednesday together with over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC has been able to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key aides in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he said: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."

But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

On the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are trying to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so people get the commitment of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually toppled in 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should release all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.