Listen to the article
In an emphatic social media response, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk has forcefully denied allegations connecting him to Jeffrey Epstein’s island, calling the claims a “narrative of nonsense” after his name appeared in recently released Epstein files.
The 57-year-old professional skateboarder took to Instagram to address rumors that one of his weddings took place on Epstein’s notorious private island. Hawk presented a detailed timeline of his four marriages, all occurring in verifiable locations far from the Caribbean property owned by the convicted sex offender.
“Here are the facts and timelines of my nuptials. And I apologize if they don’t fit a narrative of nonsense,” Hawk wrote in a strongly worded post. He listed his weddings chronologically: his first in 1990 at his home in Fallbrook, California; his second in 1996 at a Hilton Hotel in San Diego; his third in 2006 on Tavarua Surf Island in Fiji; and his fourth in 2015 at Adare Manor in Ireland.
Hawk’s name surfaced in the Epstein Files, a collection of documents released by the United States Department of Justice that includes witness interviews, victim statements, emails, and items confiscated from Epstein’s properties. According to these documents, an unnamed Threat Intake Examiner reported an alleged human trafficking case involving a minor in an email dated October 22, 2024. The email claimed a victim “was taken from Ireland and brought to Jeffrey Epstein Island when she was 13 years old” and mentioned that “she was there when Prince Edward was there and when Tony Hawk got married on the island.”
The skateboarding icon explained that the confusion likely stems from a coincidence involving a photographer at his 2006 Fiji wedding. Sports photographer Mark Epstein, who documented the ceremony, shares a surname with Jeffrey Epstein but is not related to the disgraced financier. Hawk clarified that this Mark Epstein is “an accomplished action sports photographer from Wyoming” who licensed wedding photos to Getty Images.
“This is all easily verifiable information. Facts are not fungible,” Hawk stated firmly in his post.
Hawk also explicitly denied any connection to Jeffrey Epstein, writing, “I never met [Jeffrey Epstein] and [his] island I never visited.” He additionally apologized to photographer Mark Epstein for being inadvertently “pulled into the misinformation vortex.”
The Epstein Files have caused controversy since their release, with numerous high-profile individuals finding their names mentioned in the extensive documentation. The documents detail allegations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network before his death in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Hawk, widely regarded as one of the most influential skateboarders of all time, has maintained a generally positive public image throughout his decades-long career. Beyond his skateboarding achievements, he has built a successful business empire including his popular Pro Skater video game series and various entrepreneurial ventures.
Social media users have largely expressed support for Hawk’s straightforward denial, with many noting the dangers of unverified claims spreading online. Media literacy experts point out that this incident highlights the importance of fact-checking before repeating allegations that can damage reputations and spread misinformation.
As public interest in the Epstein case continues, authorities have urged caution regarding information circulating about individuals named in the files, emphasizing that mention in the documents does not imply guilt or involvement in illegal activities.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
5 Comments
I appreciate Tony Hawk taking the time to clearly refute these allegations. It’s important for public figures to proactively address misinformation, especially when it involves serious criminal accusations. Kudos to him for setting the record straight.
Interesting that Tony Hawk’s name surfaced in the Epstein files, even though it seems to be completely unrelated. I wonder how many other public figures will get dragged into this scandal through guilt by association, even when there’s no real connection.
You make a good point. It’s concerning to see people’s reputations potentially tarnished by tenuous links, without any actual wrongdoing on their part. Maintaining perspective and requiring substantive evidence is crucial in these sensitive cases.
The Epstein scandal has brought out a lot of wild conspiracy theories and unsubstantiated claims. While it’s understandable that people are suspicious, they need to be careful about making unsupported connections to innocent parties like Tony Hawk. Fact-checking is key.
It’s good to see Tony Hawk refuting these unfounded claims. Connecting him to the Epstein scandal seems like a clear attempt to smear his name without any evidence. Glad he was able to provide a detailed timeline of his actual weddings.