The Myhrvold-Epstein Connection: A Regrettable Association Revealed

In a startling revelation from the House Oversight Committee’s recent publication of Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday book, former Microsoft Chief Technology Officer Nathan Myhrvold has been identified as a “friend” of the disgraced financier. The birthday book, released as part of the ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network, contains a personal letter apparently penned by Myhrvold himself. This discovery adds another high-profile name to the list of powerful individuals who maintained connections with Epstein, a convicted sex offender whose activities have sparked widespread scrutiny and concern. Through a spokesperson, Myhrvold has acknowledged knowing Epstein from TED conferences and through Epstein’s donations to scientific research, expressing regret about the association: “He regrets that he ever met him.” This statement reflects the uncomfortable position many former associates now find themselves in as their connections to Epstein become public knowledge.

The letter itself, addressed to “Jeffery” (notably misspelling Epstein’s first name), provides a window into their relationship. Myhrvold writes that he “agonized long and hard” about what to compose for Epstein’s birthday, mentioning abandoned drafts including “a highly philosophical take on personal perception” because Epstein was “one of the few people who has influenced how I parse and understand the world.” Perhaps most revealing is an anecdote Myhrvold shares about being asked at a party if Epstein managed his money, to which he replied, “No, but he advises me on lifestyle.” This response apparently shocked the questioner. Myhrvold then adds, “Alas I am ill prepared to comment on your lifestyle in any detail, since I am (sadly) so far behind that it would be talking about things I know little of!” These comments take on a disturbing dimension given what is now known about Epstein’s criminal activities and lifestyle. The letter concludes with references to wildlife photographs Myhrvold included, describing them as “more appropriate than anything I could put in words.” The birthday book apparently features these images, which include animals mating – a crude selection that raises questions about the nature of their relationship.

Myhrvold’s professional background makes this association particularly noteworthy. After joining Microsoft in 1986, he rose to become the company’s first chief technology officer, working directly with Bill Gates during his 14-year tenure. His post-Microsoft career has been distinguished; he founded Bellevue-based Intellectual Ventures and serves as vice chairman of TerraPower, the nuclear power venture where Gates is chairman. Myhrvold is also an accomplished photographer with a forthcoming book, “Natural Wonders,” to be published by National Geographic in October. This impressive career trajectory stands in stark contrast to the questionable judgment suggested by his relationship with Epstein, highlighting how even highly successful and intelligent individuals can become entangled with problematic figures.

The revelation about Myhrvold adds another dimension to the already complex web of relationships between Epstein and the tech world. Bill Gates, Myhrvold’s former boss at Microsoft, reportedly met Epstein in 2011 – after Epstein had already been convicted of sex crimes – and had several subsequent meetings. Gates later acknowledged these interactions as a “mistake.” The timing raises questions about whether Myhrvold’s connection to Epstein predated Gates’ introduction to him, potentially adding another layer to the story of how Epstein infiltrated elite circles. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported on the birthday book in July, mentioning Myhrvold’s letter, but the full public release provides more context about the nature of these relationships.

Epstein’s death in 2019 did not end scrutiny of his extensive network of influential friends and associates. If anything, it intensified interest in understanding how someone with his criminal history maintained connections with so many powerful figures across business, politics, science, and academia. The birthday book, reportedly signed by Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003, contains contributions from numerous high-profile individuals. Among them is a letter bearing what appears to be the signature of Donald Trump, though the former president has denied writing it. These connections demonstrate Epstein’s remarkable ability to embed himself within elite social circles despite his troubling past, raising uncomfortable questions about how wealth and influence can sometimes shield individuals from the consequences of their actions.

The Myhrvold-Epstein connection exemplifies a broader pattern that has emerged since Epstein’s crimes became public: respected, accomplished individuals who now find themselves explaining past associations with a convicted sex offender. For many, including Myhrvold, the response has been to express regret and distance themselves from Epstein. Yet these revelations continue to prompt important questions about judgment, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with privilege and power. As more documents become public through ongoing investigations, society continues to grapple with the disturbing reality of how Epstein operated within elite circles for so long despite red flags about his behavior. The birthday book, with contributions from figures like Myhrvold, serves as a troubling artifact of a time when Epstein’s criminal conduct was either unknown, ignored, or dismissed by those who associated with him – a sobering reminder of how social status and connections can sometimes override ethical concerns.