26.02.2026 07:30
The family of world-renowned scientist Stephen Hawking responded to the implications raised after a photo of him that appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files and spread on social media; the family stated that the two women in the photo wearing bikinis were Hawking's caregivers and declared that the accusations against the famous physicist were unfounded.
The new document and photo shares in the U.S. Department of Justice's files regarding Jeffrey Epstein have led to the name of Stephen Hawking, one of the world's most renowned scientists, coming back into the spotlight. As a photo among the documents quickly spread on social media, Hawking's family responded to the allegations.
HE WAS CARE STAFF
According to the family's statement, the two women in bikinis seen next to Hawking in the photo were care staff he had worked with for a long time, contrary to the misinterpretations. It is claimed that the photo was taken in 2006 on St. Thomas Island in the Caribbean during a scientific conference. At that time, Hawking required constant care and support due to ALS.
"EXTREMELY DISTANT AND UNFAIR"
Hawking's family emphasized that the famous scientist was one of the most important physicists of the 20th century, stating that the misinterpretation of the image was "extremely distant and unfair." The statement highlighted that Hawking's health conditions and the care team working with him could not be disregarded out of context.
Hawking's name appears multiple times in the Epstein files, but this does not imply any official accusation or evidence against the scientist. Hawking attended a scientific event held in St. Thomas in 2006, and five months later, Epstein was charged with illegal relations with minors in Florida. Hawking was never accused and passed away in 2018.