Joe Rogan has responded to questions about why his name appears in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, making it clear that the reason is entirely unrelated to any wrongdoing. Speaking with guest Cheryl Hines on The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan explained that his inclusion stems from declining an invitation to meet the disgraced financier.
“I’m in the files for not going. Jeffrey Epstein was trying to meet with me. And I was like, ‘What?’” Rogan told Hines.
How the Invitation Came About
The 58-year-old podcast host revealed that in 2017, a guest from his show attempted to connect him with Epstein, but Rogan immediately declined. “I never would have went anyway. It’s not even a possibility, especially after I Googled him,” he added, emphasizing that he conducted his own research before deciding.
Rogan suggested that Epstein deliberately sought to associate himself with influential and respected figures, using these connections to draw people into his social circle. “Some people get intoxicated by being in a circle of rich and powerful people… He was getting all of these very powerful and respected people together,” Rogan said.
Possible Link to Lawrence Krauss
Although Rogan did not name the guest who attempted the introduction, recently released Justice Department emails indicate it may have been theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss. Krauss appeared on Rogan’s show in March 2017, and six months later Epstein emailed him, asking for an introduction.
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Epstein wrote, “I saw you did the Joe Rogan show, can you introduce me, I think he’s funny,” and even offered to arrange a dinner with Woody Allen. Krauss replied that he would contact Rogan and later informed Epstein that he had spoken positively about him, though no further connection was made.
Rogan on Epstein’s Manipulation Tactics
Both Rogan and Hines, who is married to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., discussed Epstein’s strategy of using social invitations and gatherings to manipulate people. Hines remarked, “Some people are drawn to parties and invitations, even when reputations are questionable.”
Rogan agreed, noting, “That’s what Epstein was all about—manipulating people and holding it over their head.” He expressed relief that he had researched Epstein before ever considering a meeting.
Rogan in the Headlines
This discussion comes shortly after Rogan made news for another high-profile decision: he chose to skip the Golden Globes podcast nomination ceremony after refusing to pay the required entry fee. His name in the Epstein files, however, is unrelated to any of these events, and Rogan’s clarification emphasizes that he actively avoided any association with the financier.
