Jack Lang Acknowledges Past Ties with Jeffrey Epstein Amidst New Revelations

On February 2, 2026, former French Culture Minister and current president of the Institut du Monde arabe, Jack Lang, publicly acknowledged his past social connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the American financier and convicted sex offender. This admission follows an investigative report by Mediapart revealing familial links and exchanges between Lang and Epstein, which were also highlighted in newly released documents by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Lang recounted meeting Epstein approximately fifteen years ago through filmmaker Woody Allen and described Epstein as a cultured and intellectually curious person who impressed Paris's elite at the time. He expressed shock upon learning of Epstein's criminal activities, stating that there was nothing at the time to suggest Epstein's involvement in sex crimes against minors. The former minister stressed that he would have cut ties had he known about Epstein's illicit behavior and reaffirmed his commitment to dignity and probity—values he emphasized stand in stark contrast to Epstein's conduct.

Lang also indicated his intention to pursue legal action against anyone spreading defamatory statements about him in light of these revelations.

The U.S. Justice Department's release of new documents is part of its ongoing transparency efforts regarding Epstein's politically sensitive case, which involved exploitation of underage girls. Epstein died in 2019 before he could stand trial. The disclosure of Lang's association with Epstein has significant implications for the former minister's reputation and public perception in France, as reported by multiple French news outlets.