Sir Richard Branson, billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, has distanced himself from Jeffrey Epstein after emails between the two men were published by the Department of Justice. The email exchange, which took place on September 11, 2013, was among the more than three million Epstein files published Friday. In the correspondence, Branson reminisced warmly about meeting Epstein, dispensed public relations advice and requested that the deceased sex offender bring his "harem" to their next get-together. A spokesperson for the Virgin Group downplayed the exchange, stating any contact occurred on only a few occasions more than twelve years ago and was limited to group or business settings. The spokesperson added that when Epstein offered a charity donation, the Bransons asked their team to carry out due diligence, which uncovered serious allegations, and as a result, Virgin Unite did not take the donation and Richard and Joan decided not to meet or speak with Epstein again. The spokesperson said Richard believes Epstein's actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims. The 2013 email exchange was initiated by Epstein. A spokesperson for the Virgin Group said that the word "harem" referenced three adult members of Epstein's team.