Deepak Chopra and Jeffrey Epstein: DOJ Files Reveal Deeper Friendship Than Previously Known

Wellness guru and bestselling author Deepak Chopra is facing intense public scrutiny after a CNN investigation published Monday, February 23, 2026 ET, revealed the full extent of his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — a relationship far more intimate than Chopra had previously acknowledged. The revelations stem from the U.S. Department of Justice's release of 3.5 million Epstein-related documents on January 30, 2026.

What the DOJ Epstein Files Reveal About Deepak Chopra

A CNN review of correspondence between Chopra and Epstein reveals that they shared a far more intimate friendship than was previously known. CNN found that Chopra and Epstein communicated regularly over email and text messages, and on multiple occasions arranged to see each other in person. Messages indicate that Chopra visited Epstein at the convicted child sex offender's New York City townhouse, South Florida home, and Paris apartment.

Over several years, the two men bantered about topics such as spirituality, health, wellness and mutual friends, with Chopra often expressing warmth and affection toward Epstein by signing some messages with "Love" or "XO."

Additional files expose emails and calendar entries detailing dinners, travel invitations, and casual banter between 2016 and 2019. While no documents accuse Chopra of criminal involvement, the exchanges highlight his continued association with the late sex offender long after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The "Bring Your Girls" Email and Key Exchanges

Among the most scrutinized messages in the Epstein files is a February 2017 email. Chopra wrote to Epstein: "Come to Israel with us. Relax and have fun with interesting people. If you want use a fake name. Bring your girls. It will be fun to have you."

The DOJ files also show that Epstein offered financial support to Chopra and discussed business ideas with him over several years. Chopra and his co-founder sought input from Epstein for Jiyo, a wellness app, and arranged a trip for Epstein to come to San Diego so they could walk him through the venture's value proposition. Epstein then offered to forward the pitch to the heads of major insurance companies.

Chopra's Public Response and Airport Confrontation

Following the document release, Chopra issued a statement on X on February 4, 2026, writing: "I am deeply saddened by the suffering of the victims in this case, and I unequivocally condemn abuse and exploitation in all forms. I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity."

Chopra was subsequently confronted at an airport by a member of the public who questioned him about his relationship with Epstein. Chopra responded, "It will all come to light," and asserted, "No misconduct. Zero." He also said he would be willing to testify before Congress if called upon.

Separate Misconduct Allegation Surfaces

Amid the renewed attention, artist and entrepreneur Sevda Rubens alleged that Chopra behaved inappropriately toward her at a meditation event in Europe when she was 16. Rubens alleged that during the event Chopra gave her his phone number and suggested they meet late at night. She said she refused the request and walked away feeling uneasy about the interaction. Chopra has denied any wrongdoing.

Epstein Files: Chopra's Connections to Academia

The DOJ files also reveal that Chopra played a role in introducing Epstein to neuroscientist VS Ramachandran's lab at the University of California San Diego, which Epstein then funded for research on an "autistic savant who displays telepathy." The emerging picture from the files suggests Epstein cultivated relationships with scientists and intellectuals as part of his engagement with research on consciousness and brain science.

Timeline of Key Deepak Chopra–Epstein Events

Chopra joins the ranks of other high-profile figures now trying to recast the nature of their relationship with Epstein by downplaying just how close they had once been. The story continues to develop as more of the Epstein files are reviewed by news organizations worldwide.