Josh Harris, Todd Boehly & Dermot Desmond Linked to Epstein in New Emails

Newly released files are drawing scrutiny to connections between prominent sports figures and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The documents reveal ongoing contact between Epstein and individuals involved in major sports franchises long after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.

Sports Executives Linked to Epstein

The files show that Josh Harris, an investor in Crystal Palace, maintained contact with Epstein through email and phone calls for several years following his conviction. This included a breakfast meeting in 2013, after which Harris sent a thank you email for the invitation. Harris, who also co-founded Apollo Global Management, continued communication with Epstein in 2016, expressing a desire to “catch up” at a later date.

Did You Know? Josh Harris is also the managing partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils, and the Washington Commanders.

Emails also indicate two meetings between Epstein and Todd Boehly, now co-owner and chairman of Chelsea, in 2011. These meetings occurred three years after Epstein’s conviction. The emails suggest Epstein sought an introduction to Boehly, who was at the time co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a managing partner at Guggenheim Partners.

Celtic owner Dermot Desmond was mentioned in emails sent to Epstein in 2010. These messages, originating from golf resort developer Gerald G Barton, indicated Desmond was potentially willing to provide millions of dollars to co-fund golf developments.

Response from Josh Harris

A spokesperson for Josh Harris stated that Harris “never had an independent relationship with Jeffrey Epstein” and “sought to prevent Epstein’s attempts to develop a corporate relationship with Apollo.” The spokesperson further claimed that emails demonstrate Harris attempted to avoid meetings with Epstein, cancelling them and having others return his calls.

Expert Insight: The release of these files raises questions about due diligence and potential reputational risks for sports team owners and executives. While a spokesperson for Harris asserts an attempt to avoid a business relationship, the documented communications themselves are likely to fuel further scrutiny.

As of today, February 4, 2026, neither Boehly nor Chelsea have publicly commented on the released emails. BBC Sport has contacted Celtic for a response from Desmond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years did Josh Harris communicate with Epstein?

Josh Harris exchanged emails and phone calls with Epstein between 2013 and 2016, according to the released documents.

Who else was mentioned in connection with Epstein?

Todd Boehly, now co-owner and chairman of Chelsea, and Dermot Desmond, owner of Celtic, were also mentioned in the released emails.

What was the response from Josh Harris regarding the emails?

A spokesperson for Harris stated that Harris sought to prevent Epstein from developing a corporate relationship with Apollo and attempted to avoid meetings with Epstein.

What implications will these revelations have on the future of these sports executives and their respective teams remains to be seen?