New Epstein Emails Expose Connections to Prominent French Figures

The release of approximately 3 million pages of emails related to convicted American financier Jeffrey Epstein has sparked significant concern in France. Documents made public by the U.S. Department of Justice detail a wide-ranging network connecting Epstein to prominent figures in politics, culture, and the arts, prompting inquiries into the extent of these individuals' knowledge of his criminal activities.

An Influential Businessman Despite a Criminal Record

During the 2010s, Epstein established himself as a wealthy businessman with ties to Wall Street, forming close relationships with notable figures in technology and entrepreneurship. Despite being convicted in 2008 for operating a sex trafficking ring involving minors in Florida—where the FBI identified 33 victims, some as young as 14—he served only 18 months in prison before resuming social activities and attracting influential individuals to his circle.

A Conductor at the Center of Controversy

The emails revealed multiple 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 discussed a "21-year-old philosophy student" who proposed to accompany Epstein on a trip to Paris, a claim that Chaslin later denied, stating she was a translator for cultural visits and that interpretations circulating on social media were misleading.

Prominent Political Figures Mentioned

The emails also referenced former French Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire, although there was no direct communication with Epstein. The correspondence indicates that a former diplomatic advisor at the Élysée Palace attempted to arrange a meeting for fundraising purposes. According to Le Maire, he left the meeting upon learning the host's identity, while the advisor confirmed that the meeting was brief, lasting no more than ten minutes.

Social Invitations Raise Questions

The documents included emails with mathematician and former deputy Cédric Villani, who received an invitation from Epstein to meet in Paris, later confirming that he was unaware of the host's identity prior to attending.

Artistic Connections and Controversial Financial Agreements

In the film industry, the documents revealed a meeting between Epstein and French director Michel Hazanavicius in 2012, which included a proposal to arrange a meeting with American director Woody Allen. Epstein also requested Hazanavicius to find a young woman to accompany him during a film screening in Paris, a request that Hazanavicius confirmed he ignored.

Financial Ties Connect the Lang Family to Epstein

The documents indicated a closer relationship between Epstein and former French Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline, who established an offshore company in 2016 in the U.S. Virgin Islands to purchase artworks valued at $1.4 million, fully financed by Epstein, with Caroline holding half the shares. Caroline stated that she was unaware of Epstein's previous criminal cases, noting he claimed to have moved past that stage.

Political and Cultural Controversy Persists Despite Lack of Direct Evidence

The Lang family's interactions with Epstein continued until months before his arrest in 2019, prompting widespread criticism within French cultural and political circles. This led Caroline Lang to resign from her position in the independent production union, while her father retained 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 individuals' involvement in Epstein's crimes, they highlight a complex web of relationships and raise new questions regarding the awareness and accountability of elites associated with one of the most notable sexual and financial scandals of modern times.