Newly released documents from the Department of Justice reveal that convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein invited Mark Blumenkranz, a professor at Stanford University and chair of its ophthalmology department, to his private island in February 2013. The invitation arose from Blumenkranz’s involvement in treating eye issues for Boris Nikolić, a Croatian physician and biotech venture capitalist, who was a close associate of Epstein.
The correspondence between Epstein and Blumenkranz does not appear to have resulted in an actual visit, occurring five years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting underage sex. The Stanford Daily has reached out to Blumenkranz for further comment regarding this connection.
Background of the Invitation
On February 13, 2013, Nikolić introduced Blumenkranz to Epstein via email, stating, “Mark meet Jeffrey, Jeffrey meet Mark!” Nikolić had previously discussed with Epstein his struggles with mood issues stemming from his eye problems. Epstein responded by suggesting that Nikolić might need to “rest and recharge.” At the time, Blumenkranz was visiting St. John, just miles from Epstein’s infamous Little Saint James island, which Epstein owned from 1998 until 2019.
Nikolić noted in his email that Blumenkranz was experiencing “very slow internet and a small screen,” and inquired whether the professor could visit Epstein’s island to review eye images related to Nikolić’s treatment. In a prior message, Nikolić expressed surprise at Blumenkranz’s proximity to Epstein’s island while planning a follow-up visit at Stanford for the following week. He remarked, “Life is so strange! [Blumenkranz] was sailing today around your island.”
Epstein’s Invitation and Subsequent Developments
Epstein enthusiastically invited Blumenkranz to the island, stating, “Mark, you are a very welcome guest to the island. I have set aside a Mac for your use.” Epstein, who had just returned to New York, expressed regret for not being able to greet Blumenkranz personally. He copied Brice Gordon on the email, who managed the island alongside his partner, indicating that Gordon would handle the logistics of the visit.
While Blumenkranz was offered a tour of the island and the use of computers and phones, it appears the visit never occurred. Blumenkranz was able to secure high-speed internet access on St. John and ultimately reviewed Nikolić’s eye images with another ophthalmologist, Michael Trese. Logistical challenges were cited as reasons for not pursuing the tour of Epstein’s island.
In 2018, Nikolić again connected Blumenkranz with Epstein, who sought an ophthalmology expert for a man named Michael L. Link, described in correspondence as “the son of a friend.” This correspondence further highlights the ongoing relationship between the parties involved.
Notably, in the will drafted just two days before his death, Epstein named Boris Nikolić as his “successor executor.” Nikolić previously served as a science and technology advisor to Bill Gates, another individual associated with Epstein.
In 2013, Blumenkranz expressed to Epstein his appreciation for Nikolić’s loyalty, stating, “It makes life much easier when confronted with the inevitable challenges we all face from time to time.” This sentiment underscores the complex web of relationships that linked Stanford’s prominent figures with Epstein.
As investigations continue into the ties between Stanford, Silicon Valley, and Epstein, the implications of these connections remain a focal point for scrutiny and discussion.
