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Epstein 'pizza' row: Who are Erin Ko, Stephanie and Roy Hodges? Fresh details emerge

Epstein files mention “pizza” in messages from Erin Ko and emails from Roy and Stephanie Hodges, sparking online theories, though identities remain unproven.

Updated on: Feb 2, 2026, 23:59:39 IST
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The newly released Jeffrey Epstein files have caught attention for mentions of pizza in various contexts. Among them, two particular mentions- one in messages from a user named Erin Ko and another in emails from Roy and Stephanie Hodges - have sparked a lot of curiosity.

Jeffrey Epstein is seen in this image from the U.S. Justice Department’s file. (via REUTERS)
Jeffrey Epstein is seen in this image from the U.S. Justice Department’s file. (via REUTERS)

In the 3 million-plus pages of documents released by the DOJ, Epstein's iMessage exchanges with Erin Ko have caused a lot of confusion. Many social media users have spread theories that Erin Ko here is the 13-year-old girl who died in a sailboat collision in Biscayne Bay near Miami Beach on July 28, 2025.

However, these iMessage exchanges are from 2016, when the Erin Ko in Miami Beach accident was only four or five years old. It is unlikely that the Erin Ko in the Epstein emails refer to the same person.

Here are Epstein's iMessage exchanges with Erin Ko:

The details of the emails concerning Roy and Stephanie Hodges were shared first by conservative commentator Alex Jones, as part of his revelations on the alleged 'Pizzagate' conspiracy theories around Epstein. But their details are unclear, and they could also be private associates or staff related to his properties.

Also read: Epstein files spark Pizzagate theory again as John Podesta's name is mentioned: 'This is not a game'

Epstein 'Pizzagate' Row: What To Know

The Epstein–“Pizzagate” is a conspiracy theory that falsely ties Jeffrey Epstein disclosures to a debunked 2016 narrative alleging U.S. elites ran a child-abuse ring out of a Washington, DC, pizzeria using “pizza” as code.

The theory was investigated and fully debunked by journalists and law enforcement, who found no evidence of victims, tunnels, or criminal activity.

Epstein’s proven crimes, alongside the newly released documents led some online users, such as Alex Jones, to retroactively claim Pizzagate was “right all along.” But no credible investigation has found links to Pizzagate claims.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee

Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
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