The family of the renowned physicist Professor Stephen Hawking has come forward to address a photograph that has gained significant attention online. This image, recently released as part of court documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice, depicts Hawking smiling between two women in bikinis. The photograph was taken in 2006 during a science conference in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, which was associated with events connected to Epstein’s network.
Hawking, who passed away in March 2018 at the age of 76, is described by his family as having lived with motor neurone disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS) for over fifty years. Due to the debilitating effects of the illness, he required full-time medical assistance from his long-term carers, who were also present in the photograph. According to a family spokesperson, any suggestions of inappropriate conduct regarding the image are unfounded and misleading.
The family emphasized that Hawking made landmark contributions to physics while being the longest-known survivor of his condition, which left him reliant on complex medical devices and support. They reiterated that the presence of his name in the recently released Epstein documents does not imply any wrongdoing on his part. In fact, Hawking’s involvement in the symposium titled “Energy of Empty Space That Isn’t Zero” focused on academic exploration rather than personal relationships with Epstein.
Additional context revealed that Hawking participated in the conference alongside various other eminent scientists, where he delivered a presentation on quantum cosmology. Although the visit included social events and an outing to Epstein’s Little Saint James island, Hawking was not photographed with Epstein. Photographic evidence from the trip includes images of Hawking enjoying a barbecue and taking part in a submarine excursion, which was adapted with special accommodations for his physical limitations.
This clarification by Hawking’s family serves as a reminder of his legacy as a brilliant scientist, and they hope to dispel any misconceptions that may arise from the recent release of documents related to Epstein. Hawking’s contributions to the understanding of the universe will continue to be celebrated, and his resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiring narrative for many.