In a surprising claim that has reignited conspiracy theories, Errol Musk, father of tech mogul Elon Musk, asserted that Jeffrey Epstein is still alive. During a headline-grabbing appearance on Russian state television, overseen by Vladimir Putin, the 79-year-old shared his belief that the official narrative surrounding Epstein’s death in a New York jail cell in 2019 is “absurd.” Epstein’s death, officially deemed a suicide by the city’s chief medical examiner, has long been the subject of intense speculation and debate.

Musk’s remarks seemed to capture the audience’s skepticism, yet he pressed on, suggesting a covert operation had taken place. “It’s ridiculous to think he’s dead,” he claimed, drawing the attention of the studio audience. Musk further alleged that prison guards had previously stated Epstein was swapped out the night before his supposed suicide, coupled with the curious timing of malfunctioning cameras and inattentive guards.

“It’s absolutely absurd to think that this man is dead. He’s alive and well,” Musk insisted, adding fuel to the conspiracy fire. His visit to Russia coincided with the Russian Orthodox Easter celebrations, where he was seen attending a midnight service at a Moscow cathedral alongside the country’s leader. Observers noted President Putin’s appearance, remarking on his heavy makeup and weary demeanor as he participated in the service.

Putin’s annual appearance at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral near the Kremlin, to mark Orthodox Easter, came soon after he called a 32-hour ceasefire in the war – which his own troops violated. The Easter ceasefire was broken by Russia after it attacked Ukrainian positions with drones on Saturday. Ukraine’s military command reported nearly 470 Russian violations of the truce. In a festive message at the Sunday service, Putin said: ‘The great holiday of Easter fills the hearts of millions of people with sincere joy, faith in the all-conquering power of life, in the triumph of love, goodness, and justice, and unites us around centuries-old paternal traditions, undeniable spiritual, moral values, and ideals.’

As his troops broke his declared ceasefire, he praised ‘our heroes – the participants and veterans of the special military operation’. The service was also attended by Elon Musk’s father Errol, 79, who is a regular visitor to Russia. Errol Musk has previously praised Putin and even blamed his son for falling out with President Donald Trump. He is in Russia on a two week trip focusing on ‘research projects with Russian scientists’, according to Moscow Times. President Putin on Thursday declared a 32-hour ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend, ordering Russian forces to halt hostilities from 4pm on Saturday until the end of Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promised to abide by the ceasefire, describing it as an opportunity to build on peace initiatives. But he warned there would be a swift military response to any violations. Russia quickly violated their own ceasefire after attacking Ukrainian positions with drones on Saturday evening, as Serhii Kolesnychenko, a communications officer for Ukraine’s 148th Separate Artillery Brigade, said: ‘The ceasefire is not being observed by the Russian side.’