Today, we’re looking into the Epstein files for the second time – and this time the focus is on Microsoft’s network. Newly released records indicate that Jeffrey Epstein, or an account tied to his email address, was permanently banned from Xbox Live back in 2013.
The ban notice lists harassment, threats, and/or abusive behavior toward other players as the stated reason, but that may not have been the whole story. Reports suggest the real driver was that Epstein – who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges – was already a registered sex offender at the time.
In 2012, Xbox and other game companies entered a cooperation effort with New York State to remove registered sex offenders from their platforms. A 2012 New York Times report said the arrangement also included Sony, Electronic Arts, Warner Bros., Disney, Blizzard, and Apple. After the enforcement action, Epstein also received an explanatory letter.
“This message is to notify you that Xbox LIVE has permanently suspended the Xbox LIVE account associated with this email address. This action is based on the New York Attorney General’s partnership with Microsoft and other online gaming companies to remove New York registered sex offenders from online gaming services and minimize the risk to others, particularly children.” As a result, any Xbox LIVE account associated with this email address will not be able to connect to Xbox LIVE,” the second email read.
Larry Hryb – better known to Xbox fans as Major Nelson – and a former director of Xbox Live, said his team had been thorough, and he acknowledged that point in response to the documents going public. Those same documents also referenced Sam Houser, the current president of Rockstar North, as well as Leslie Benzies – Houser’s predecessor – who is now associated with Build A Rocket Boy via MindsEye.
The open question is whether the parties are still adhering to that 2012 arrangement today – because a lot can change over nearly fourteen years.
Forrás: PCGamer, New York Times, Bsky
