Washington/New Delhi, 24 Feb

Best-selling author and wellness guru Deepak Chopra exchanged hundreds of emails with the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, according to the recently released files by the US Justice Department. In at least two of the exchanges, Chopra asked Epstein to bring “girls” on trips, including one to Israel, saying that they would “love it”.

Chopra and Epstein exchanged several emails between 2016 and 2019, well after Epstein was publicly known to be a sex trafficker. In one such correspondence, Epstein wrote, “I liked watching you zero in on your prey. Made me smile.” Chopra responded, “I'm not a predator Just a lover.”

Chopra and Epstein repeatedly discussed “girls”. “Universe is a human construct. … Cute girls are aware when they make noises,” Chopra wrote to Epstein in 2017.

Epstein responded: “So when the girl says oh my god?” Chopra replied, “Yes That’s divine transcendence. (sic)”

On 4 February, soon after the latest batch of files was released, Chopra denied participating in any illegal activities. However, Epstein is seen inviting Chopra to his infamous island in one email. Epstein’s Islands in the Virgin Islands and near Mexico were where much of the sex trafficking allegedly took place.

In 2017, the Chopra Foundation received a $50,000 donation from Gratitude America, one of Epstein’s foundations, according to the latest files released by the US Justice Department. This was meant to support scientific research. The two frequently exchanged texts about science, medicine, and quantum healing.

Chopra and Poonacha Machaiah, co-founder of the wellness app Jiyo, sought Epstein’s advice and connections for the venture.

The emails also revealed a close friendship between the duo, where Epstein sent him sweatshirts. Epstein’s alleged last partner and heiress, Karyna Shuliak, emailed Epstein: “Reminder: sweatshirts for Deepak. I need the initials and the size please,” to which Chopra later replied with a “thank you” and joked that Epstein could think about jewellery for the next gift.

The two also discussed a ‘Satsang with Deepak Chopra’, the details of which are unavailable.

EUROPE CRASHES FROM FALLOUT

Meanwhile, former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland reportedly attempted suicide after his ties to Epstein emerged. Jagland, who served on the Nobel Committee, was charged with misconduct and faces 10 years of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, in the UK, politician Peter Mandelson has been released on bail after being arrested for leaking sensitive information to Epstein, while the government agreed to release files about former Prince Andrew's stint as a trade envoy after he was also arrested for leaking information.