Jeffrey Epstein’s Efforts to Connect Steven Sinofsky with Apple CEO Tim Cook Revealed in Emails
Recently disclosed emails from the U.S. Department of Justice have unveiled that Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier, played a pivotal role in attempting to connect former Microsoft executive Steven Sinofsky with Apple CEO Tim Cook. These communications suggest that Epstein not only provided counsel to Sinofsky following his departure from Microsoft but also facilitated introductions that could have led to potential opportunities at Apple.
Background on Steven Sinofsky’s Departure from Microsoft
In late 2012, Steven Sinofsky, who had been a prominent figure at Microsoft, left the company with a reported $14 million retirement package. His departure marked the end of an era, as he had been instrumental in the development of several key Microsoft products. During this transitional period, Sinofsky was exploring his next career move, and Epstein emerged as an unexpected advisor and connector.
Epstein’s Outreach to Apple Leadership
Shortly after Sinofsky’s exit became public, Epstein reached out to him, indicating that Tim Cook was excited to meet. However, Epstein also mentioned that Cook had heard rumors about Sinofsky potentially starting a venture with farstall. While the spelling was ambiguous, it likely referred to Scott Forstall, a former Apple executive who had left the company a month prior. Despite this initial confusion, subsequent emails indicate that the meeting between Sinofsky and Cook did take place. Approximately six months later, Sinofsky informed Epstein that he had engaged in a serious conversation with Cook. In an email dated May 29, 2013, Sinofsky recounted:
> Cook asked if I am going to work. Then said we should stay in touch and talk if I want to work. It seemed pretty real.
Sinofsky also mentioned that a non-compete agreement prevented him from taking on a full-time role immediately but expressed a desire to maintain communication.
Additional Communications Involving Tim Cook
The released emails also include a message from Ian Osborne to Epstein, dated February 5, 2013, stating:
> Will call this afternoon. Was with Tim Cook this morning.
While Osborne’s email address was redacted, he is believed to be the British investor associated with significant finance and technology deals. Previous court records have shown that Osborne and Epstein discussed efforts to influence senior banking appointments in the UK.
Apple’s Response and Implications
When approached for comments on these emails, Apple declined to respond. The documents do not imply any misconduct by Apple or Tim Cook. However, they do highlight Epstein’s active efforts to gain access to senior technology executives and position himself as a key intermediary during that period. These revelations shed light on how Epstein inserted himself into private career discussions involving top tech leaders, including his attempts to connect Steven Sinofsky with Apple’s CEO.
