🔗 Share this article

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing assistant".

These messages were released on this week alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, occurrences, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the request for comment.

'I'll make sure you're well looked after'

Bannon was one of Trump's closest advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

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

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "They are attempting to move on. may soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the people here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was finally removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in late 2018.

A representative for the political party informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.