Jack Lang Resigns as President of Institut du monde arabe Amid Epstein Financial Investigation

Jack Lang, former French Culture Minister and longstanding president of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA), has proposed his resignation on February 7, 2026, amid a preliminary investigation into his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Parquet national financier (PNF) launched the inquiry into alleged aggravated tax fraud laundering after documents linking Lang and his daughter Caroline to Epstein were revealed.

Lang's name appeared 673 times in newly released U.S. documents detailing economic connections with Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Caroline Lang has already stepped down from her role in a film producers' union following disclosures that she established an offshore company with Epstein. Lang admitted to soliciting $57,897 from Epstein for a film project about the "Lang-Mitterrand years" and characterized his links to Epstein as naive, emphasizing he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities when they met through filmmaker Woody Allen about fifteen years ago.

In a letter addressed to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Lang said his resignation aims to shield the IMA from the damaging climate of "personal attacks and unfounded accusations". Barrot accepted the resignation and confirmed that an extraordinary board meeting would be convened within seven days to appoint an interim president.

Lang, who led the IMA for twelve years, signaled his intention to cooperate fully with judicial authorities and hopes the investigation clears his name. Despite the scandal, no charges have yet been filed against him. The resignation comes following growing pressure from political figures and Lang's own allies, who urged him to step down to protect the institution and his legacy.

This development marks a significant fall from grace for Lang, once a prominent figure on France’s left and a key steward of French cultural diplomacy. He announced his decision while attending an art fair in Morocco, underscoring the widespread impact of the Epstein investigation beyond the U.S.

The ongoing judicial review and transition at the Institut du monde arabe will be closely watched as France grapples with the repercussions of Epstein’s extensive financial and social networks.