Stephen Hawking's Family Slams 'Inappropriate Conduct' Claims Over Epstein-Linked Photo

Stephen Hawking's family has lashed out at allegations of 'inappropriate conduct' following the release of a photo of the late physicist associated with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The picture depicts Hawking smiling in front of two bikini-clad women, published in the Department of Justice's Epstein documents.

A representative of the family said, 'Professor Hawking made some of the greatest contributions to physics in the 20th century while at the same time being the longest-known survivor of motor neurone disease, a debilitating condition which left him reliant on a ventilator, voice synthesiser, wheelchair and round-the-clock medical care.'

'Any charge of inappropriate behaviour,' they added, 'is wrong and far-fetched.' The family emphasised Hawking's dignity and respect he received from around the globe.

'Energy of Empty Space That Isn't Zero'

In March 2006, Hawking attended the 'Energy of Empty Space That Isn't Zero' conference at the Ritz-Carlton in St Thomas, a luxury resort on the Virgin Islands, where Epstein hosted academic gatherings.

Hawking gave a talk on quantum cosmology, the Express reported.

The photo had Hawking in a sunny environment, with a colourful cocktail in hand. Two women in swimwear stand on either side, speaking to the relaxed feel of the beachside aspect of the resort – not some sort of staged scandal.

Previous pictures of Hawking include a beach barbecue, a carefree moment brought to Hawking by a photographer from the local area. A custom submarine tour of the seabed of Little Saint James was organised for Hawking, who had never explored underwater waters due to his motor neurone disease.

Connections to Epstein on science philanthropy

Epstein promoted himself as a philanthropist of science. He donated as much as £15 million every year to research. He financed projects from particle physics to transhumanism. The year 2006 symposium brought together 21 major scientists, including Hawking, who was invited through Epstein's network.

The documents reveal that Hawking was mentioned at least 250 times. None of those references suggested any wrongdoing. Epstein's interest in science was palpable and well-documented. His reputation as a patron of science was not universally called into question until his criminal charges came out.

Epstein, nonetheless, was much interested in genomes, extending life, and creating a 'super race' fashioned on himself.

Participated in an orgy?

Virginia Giuffre said that Hawking participated in an underage orgy on Epstein's island. Epstein denied the allegations. Court files showed that Epstein ordered Ghislaine Maxwell to pay the friends of Giuffre if they could deny the allegations.

A tip received by the FBI hinted that Epstein and Hawking went to an all-men's club in 2011, but the charge has not been verified.

The caller was described as emotional in the reports, where he said, 'It wasn't just girls that were affected by Epstein.' However, the DOJ failed to support the claim.

The release of the photo revived the discussion, but the context remains clear: it was a beachside symposium, not a private gathering.

Hawking died in March 2018 at 76. His legacy is measured in equations, public talks, and his forbearance. The family's statement has been well received, but others say the photo should still cause some scrutiny.