Epstein Scandal Expands to Europe: Documents Reveal Connections with Prominent French Figures

The release of approximately 3 million pages of electronic correspondence linked to convicted American financier Jeffrey Epstein has caused a stir in France. Documents made public by the U.S. Department of Justice reveal a vast network of connections to influential figures in politics, culture, and the arts, raising questions about the awareness of these individuals regarding Epstein's associated crimes.

Influential Businessman Despite Criminal Past

In the 2010s, Epstein solidified his status as a wealthy businessman who made his fortune on Wall Street, cultivating close ties with prominent figures in the technology and entrepreneurial sectors. Despite being convicted in 2008 for running a prostitution ring involving minors in Florida, where the FBI identified 33 victims, some as young as 14, he received a reduced sentence of 18 months and resumed his social activities, attracting influential individuals into his circle.

Conductor at the Center of Controversy

The correspondence revealed repeated meetings between Epstein and French conductor Frédéric Chaslin from 2013 to 2019 in various cities, including Paris and New York. One message indicated that Chaslin mentioned a "philosophy student" aged 21 whom he suggested accompany Epstein during a visit to Paris. Chaslin later denied this, asserting that she was a translator for cultural visits and that statements circulated on social media were misleading.

Notable Political Figures Mentioned

The name of former French Minister of Economy and Finance, Bruno Le Maire, also appeared in the correspondence, although there was no direct contact with Epstein. The documents suggest that a former diplomatic advisor at the Élysée Palace attempted to arrange a meeting between the two for fundraising purposes. According to Le Maire, he left the meeting quickly upon learning the host's identity, while the advisor confirmed that the meeting was brief and lasted no more than ten minutes.

Social Invitations Raise Questions

The documents also included correspondence with mathematician and former MP Cédric Villani, who received an invitation from Epstein to a meeting in Paris and later confirmed he was unaware of the host's identity prior to attending.

Connections in the Arts and Controversial Financial Transactions

In the film sector, the documents revealed a meeting between Epstein and French director Michel Hazanavicius in 2012, where a meeting with American director Woody Allen was to be arranged. The correspondence also included a request from Epstein to Hazanavicius to find a young woman to accompany him during a film screening in Paris, a request that Hazanavicius confirmed he ignored.

Financial Ties Between the Lang Family and Epstein

The documents indicated a closer relationship between Epstein and former French Culture Minister Jack Lang, as well as his daughter Caroline. In 2016, an offshore company was established in the U.S. Virgin Islands to purchase artworks valued at $1.4 million, fully financed by Epstein, while Caroline held half of the shares. Caroline confirmed she was not informed about the details of Epstein's past cases and that he told her he had moved on from that phase.

Political and Cultural Controversies Persist Despite Lack of Direct Evidence

The Lang family's meetings with Epstein continued until just months before his arrest in 2019, prompting a wave of criticism in French cultural and political circles. This led Caroline Lang to resign from her position in the independent production union, while her father maintained his role as president of the Arab World Institute.

Documents Raise Suspicions Without New Criminal Evidence

Although the released documents do not provide direct evidence of the involvement of the mentioned individuals in Epstein's crimes, they once again draw attention to his complex network of relationships and raise new questions about the knowledge and accountability of elites whose names are associated with one of the most prominent sexual and financial scandals of modern times.