Recent disclosures from the Department of Justice regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have brought to light extensive interactions between Epstein and prominent figures in Silicon Valley, including billionaire investor Peter Thiel. The files detail numerous meetings, scheduled meals, and communications between the two men between 2014 and 2017, even after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea.
The released data also contains a peculiar email exchange from February 2016, detailing Thiel’s highly restrictive dietary requirements. An email from Thiel’s former chief of staff outlines a list of 24 approved sushi and protein sources, 14 approved vegetables, but no fruits whatsoever. The list explicitly bans ketchup, mayonnaise, soy sauce, dairy, gluten, grains, processed foods, sugar, tomato, and vinegar. Meal suggestions are limited to egg whites or salad with protein like steak.
This level of dietary control raises questions about Thiel’s health practices and personal discipline. While the motivation behind such restrictions remains unclear, it underscores a meticulous approach to self-optimization that is characteristic of some high-performance individuals in Silicon Valley.
The correspondence suggests that Epstein was well aware of Thiel’s regimen, as it was shared directly with him. In a separate recording, Epstein even mocked Thiel’s behavior, describing him as “strange, like he’s on drugs.” Despite this, Epstein continued to seek opportunities to engage with Thiel, suggesting a mutual professional interest.
Financial records reveal that Epstein invested $40 million into Thiel’s Valar Ventures in 2015 and 2016, further cementing the relationship. Communication continued until early 2019, shortly before Epstein’s death in prison.
The details released by the DOJ expose a network of influence and association between Epstein and wealthy elites, highlighting how he cultivated connections within the technology industry. Thiel’s involvement, alongside his unusual dietary restrictions, adds another layer of complexity to the broader narrative surrounding Epstein’s activities.
This case underscores the importance of transparency in financial and social networks involving high-profile individuals, especially when it involves legally questionable behavior. The details revealed in these files serve as a reminder of the potential for abuse and exploitation within influential circles.
