Here’s Why Chris Tucker Appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein Files
Chris Tucker recently found himself back in the headlines after the release of the first Jeffrey Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The documents, made public over the weekend, listed several well-known entertainers and political figures. Among the names drawing attention was Tucker, best known for his work in the “Rush Hour” movies.
A photo showing him at an airport with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, raised eyebrows. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her involvement in crimes related to underage girls.
After the files surfaced, a clip from a 2021 virtual interview with Eddie Levert and his daughter Ryan Levert resurfaced on Instagram, showing Tucker addressing his connection to Epstein.
When asked directly, “You knew Jeffrey Epstein, didn’t you?” Tucker replied with hesitation, saying, “Yeah. I—I did. I did. I, you know, we flew Bill Clinton and a lot of different—uh—well, that was a humanitarian trip to Africa.”
Chris Tucker explains why he appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files 👀
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) December 22, 2025
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Tucker clarified that his interaction with Epstein was situational. “And I met him on that trip because it was his plane. I didn’t know whose plane we was getting on, but it was a whole bunch of dignitary people with a delegation,” he explained. He emphasized that he did not know Epstein personally or his private life, adding, “And yeah, I met him. And, you know, you don’t know people—what they do in their private lives. So yeah.”
When asked about the private plane, often referred to as the “Lolita Express,” Tucker confirmed he had been on it but insisted he never visited Epstein’s island. “No. No, no, no, no. I don’t know where that thang at. Aye, we was going to Africa to save lives,” he said.
The resurfaced discussion followed previous claims by comedian Katt Williams in January 2024, who jokingly referred to Tucker as “‘Epstein Island’ Chris Tucker, not Smokey” during an interview on “Club Shay Shay.” Despite the joke, Tucker’s comments underline his position that his connection to Epstein was purely circumstantial and linked to a humanitarian trip.
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