Two bikini-clad women seen in a photo with Stephen Hawking on Jeffrey Epstein’s private island were identified as the late physicist’s caregivers, as per information obtained by the Mirror. The image, part of the recent release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, shows Professor Hawking relaxing with a drink alongside the two women in swimsuits. The identities of the women were initially concealed but have now been partially revealed. A spokesperson for the Hawking family dismissed any suggestions of inappropriate behavior on his part as “far-fetched and extreme.”

Reportedly taken at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes in April 2007, the photo was first shared in an unredacted version in 2008 on a blog about disabled access and travel authored by Professor Hawking’s carer, Monica Guy, with his consent. Although Hawking’s name appears numerous times in the Epstein files, it does not imply any wrongdoing on his part.

In another instance, Hawking was among 21 scientists invited to Epstein’s private island in 2012 for a scientific event organized by the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation. The group engaged in discussions related to defining gravity and spent time relaxing on the beach and exploring the island. The foundation clarified that any insinuation of inappropriate behavior by Hawking was unfounded.

Throughout his life, Hawking made significant contributions to physics despite battling motor neurone disease, which led to his reliance on medical equipment and constant care. Epstein, known for engaging with scientists, even went to the extent of arranging a modified submarine tour for Hawking and others during one visit to his island.

Hawking, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 74, had been wheelchair-bound since the 1960s and eventually required round-the-clock medical assistance as his health deteriorated.